Traditional Jamaican Christmas Important – Mayor Belnavis

Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay, Councillor Michael Belnavis, says traditional Christmas celebrations in Jamaica are important in preserving the culture and bringing people together.

He was speaking to JIS News at the annual Clock Lighting Ceremony held in the Ocho Rios town centre on Thursday (December 13), which included performances from the Marcus Garvey Jonkonnu group, as well as reggae artistes Ikaya and Richie Spice.

“We are celebrating our culture. It is a festive affair and most citizens enjoy celebrating a traditional Jamaican Christmas. For a lot of people who are not familiar with our traditional Christmas celebrations it is really a wow moment for them,” he said.

“We had to make sure that we bring the ‘old time’ Christmas back to Ocho Rios, so we brought Jonkonnu and other entertainment, and we have the love and the warmth of the people of Ocho Rios,” he added.

The day’s activities, held in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC) included an economic fair in the afternoon, which saw small business owners in and around St. Ann showcasing their products and services.

The Mayor lauded the SDC for partnering with the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, noting that “by doing so they have made the event bigger and better. They put in a lot of effort and resources to make the people of Ocho Rios feel good this year.”

Hundreds of residents descended on the Ocho Rios town centre to take part in the events.