Black River mayor calls for compassion and support as St Elizabeth holds scaled-down Christmas tree lighting

Mayor of Black River Richard Solomon has urged residents to remember families still living in severe discomfort following Hurricane Melissa, even as St Elizabeth marked the Christmas season with a scaled-down tree-lighting ceremony on Monday night.

“Some persons are still picking up the pieces; some persons are still roofless and living in very uncomfortable conditions,” Solomon said, stressing that Christmas must extend beyond lights and decorations to include compassion and practical support for the most vulnerable.

The mayor was speaking at the Municipal Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony held on the grounds of the Jeremy Palmer/Everton Fisher Municipal Building, where the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation erected a modest artificial tree decorated in traditional red, gold, and green, and illuminated by white fairy lights.

Hurricane Melissa tore through southwestern Jamaica on October 28, leaving widespread destruction across St Elizabeth.

Black River, the parish capital, was among the hardest hit, with flooding, damaged roadways, prolonged power outages, and widespread roof damage forcing several families to live under tarpaulins weeks after the storm.

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Despite the devastation, Solomon said the decision to proceed with a scaled-down observance was deliberate and symbolic.

“This year is more significant than last year,” he said.

“Last year we had a big celebration, but Melissa would have reduced us to what we are doing here tonight. Still, the spirit of Christmas in St Elizabeth will not be lost.”

Addressing critics who questioned the timing of the event, Solomon said the ceremony reflected emerging recovery.

“After a month and a few days, Black River is beginning to see a ray of hope,” he said, noting that commercial activity is gradually returning and that electricity is expected to be restored to the town before year-end.

As the lights came on, Solomon called for residents to show unity and generosity, reminding them that for many families, rebuilding homes — not celebrating — remains the season's most urgent priority.

- Albert Ferguson