‘A time for reflection, rejoicing, recommitment’
Major events scrapped, but watchnight services, low-keyed affairs set to ring in 2022
Published:Friday | December 31, 2021 | 12:09 AMTanesha Mundle/Staff Reporter
While the lingering presence of the coronavirus and the increasing threat of the Omicron variant, coupled with the ban on parties and the continued enforcement of COVID 19- restrictions, have put a damper on New Year’s Eve celebrations, some Jamaicans are still planning to leave the comforts of their home to mingle and celebrate as they ring in 2022.
The Urban Development Corporation (UDC)-organised Fireworks on the Waterfront, which would usually attract thousands of patrons to usher in the New Year with a star-studded concert and an alluring fireworks display in downtown Kingston, has been shelved for the second year running due to the pandemic.
Similarly, the Fireworks on the Bay event usually held by a UDC subsidiary, the St Ann Development Company, will also not be staged.
Many party promoters have moved their events overseas or pulled the plug on the festivities due to the current ban on entertainment events.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie has indicated that the police will be strictly enforcing the Disaster Risk Management Act, especially where the orders relating to gathering of persons is concerned.
Some promoters, who spoke with The Gleaner, said they will be conforming to the rules.
“As you can see, the Government has indicated that it won’t be issuing any permit for parties and we have to accept it, so we certainly will not be planning anything to go against their wishes,” promoter Denton Atkins said.
Popular promoter Romeich has been advertising an-all white New Year’s Bottle Par via Instagram.
Many restaurants, cafés and popular lounges in the Corporate Area are advertising New Year’s Eve celebrations. Popular spots, including Janga’s Soundbar and Grill, Ribbiz Ocean Restaurant as well as Oceano Jamaica, are set to host New Year’s Eve dinners.
NO HOTEL BALLS
Also missing from the usual New Year’s Eve shindig are many of the hotel balls.
A representative from The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston told The Gleaner that there will be no New Year’s Eve ball or special dinners this year, while a representative at the nearby AC Hotel by Marriott said that it will not be catering to the wider public and will only be having a “vibe” for in-house guests.
A year ago, churches were forced to bring forward their traditional watchnight services or host them entirely online due to curfew restrictions, but this time around, with the nightly curfew set to kick in at 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day, they will be having a blend of in-person and online services. With a gathering limit of 100 persons, many have opted to pre-register members for in-person attendance.
The Reverend Astor Carlyle, head of the Webster Memorial United Church, said his service will start at 10 p.m. and end at about 12:15 a.m., with a performance from popular gospel act Jermaine Edwards closing out the service.
Noting that the congregants can expect to have a good time, the minister said: “It is a time for reflection, it’s a time for rejoicing, and it’s a time for recommitment.”
Among the churches that will be hosting watchnight services are the Eastwood Park New Testament Church (9 p.m. to midnight) and the Boulevard Baptist Church (10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.), both in St Andrew.
The Reverend Devon Dick, pastor of the Boulevard Baptist Church, said he is hoping that persons will turn out to worship as many persons are not so keen to leave their homes.
Services will be streamed via the social media pages of many churches seeking to engage Jamaicans who cannot be physically accommodated.
It is a mixed bag for locals as it relates to plans to ring in 2022, although many persons who spoke with The Gleaner said they intended to party.
“I’ll be staying home. I used to go out, but with the whole COVID-19 situation, it’s best to stay home,” said one Kingston labourer, who gave his name only as Nick.
Michelle, a St Catherine bartender, said: “I plan to go and hang with my friends, drink two juice and watch likkle fireworks.”
“I’ll be partying in my community after the shots dem stop fire,” said Kingston shopkeeper Kerry, referring to illegal gun salutes which also usher in the New Year in some communities.
“I am going to church, then after that, I am going to an all-white party; it keep every year, but dem lock it off early last year,” noted Judith.
The Kingston janitor, who appeared very excited about attending the party, said her outfit was ready and that she had nailed the look for the festive season.
“You nuh see all me colour up,” she said, pointing to her well-toned appearance.