Black River’s Christmas tree lighting signals resilience, hope and the determination to rebuild

WESTERN BUREAU:

Black River Mayor Richard Solomon says that, despite being scaled down, Monday night’s Christmas Tree-lighting Ceremony in the St Elizabeth capital symbolised resilience, determination and the indomitable spirit of the people.

Black River was one of the hardest hit areas during the passage of Hurricane Melissa in late October.

“This year, to me, is most significant, even more than last year,” said Solomon, also reflecting on Hurricane Beryl, which impacted the parish in 2024. “Last year, we had a big Christmas tree lighting and a big crowd, and, this year, Melissa would have reduced us to what we are doing here tonight.”

The ceremony took place at the Jeremy Palmer/Everton Fisher Municipal Building, the home of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation.

The artificial Christmas tree, which was powered by a generator because electricity has not been restored to Black River, was decorated in traditional red, gold and green and was trimmed with shimmering tinsel and adorned with baubles, gift-box ornaments and pine cones.

During the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Black River experienced flooding, damaged roadways, a disruption in commercial activity and the ongoing electrical power outages. Scores of residents were left homeless.

However, despite the devastation, Solomon said the modest ceremony was a conscious statement of continuity, as the focus is not on despair but on rebuilding.

SPIRIT OF UNITY

“Christmas is a time when we share the joy and the spirit of love, a spirit of unity, and I want to make it clear that, here in St Elizabeth, the spirit of Christmas will not be lost. It will not die,” said Solomon. “What we are doing today is very symbolic. We are ensuring that Black River remains alive and well.”

Responding to the critics, who questioned the decision to have the ceremony amid the trying times being faced by the residents, Solomon said the event reflected progress.

“Persons would have said to us, ‘Why is it that you are keeping a Christmas tree lighting in the rubble of Black River?’” said Solomon. “What I can say is that, after a month and a few days, Black River is starting to see a ray of hope.”

Solomon further noted that commercial activity is gradually returning to the township, noting that the municipal corporation deliberately chose to remain operational in the town centre ,as a show of leadership.

“We are committed as a municipal corporation and we are leading by example. We decided that we are going to pick up the pieces and remain in this rich cultural space called Black River, full of history,” he said.

Referencing the broader regional challenges, which have been highlighted by the World Bank, Solomon said Black River would recover and emerge stronger.

“Black River is going to rise from the ashes like a phoenix. We are going to build back stronger; we are going to build back better,” he said.

albert.ferguson@gleanerjm.com