Delightful KSAMC Christmas tree-lighting ceremony
Published:Saturday | December 13, 2025 | 12:05 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
It was a “wow” moment when at exactly 7:37 p.m. on Tuesday, Mayor of Kingston Councillor Andrew Swaby, flicked on the lights on the gigantic Christmas Tree inside the St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston. It brilliantly lit up with a zillion lights officially ushering in the festive season.
The annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony is one of the highlights of the December calendar for the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC). And while this year’s event was scaled down “so as not to appear tone deaf”, given the devastation caused in the west by Melissa – a name that has been on the lips of many – the evening was quite delightful. Of course, there was the officialdom, which involved the sponsors having their moment in the spotlight and a speech from Mayor Swaby, who brought a message of hope and encouragement that was well received.
Swaby welcomed all who turned out and noted that residents across the municipality “look forward to the event, which gives us a little pause from the rush of our daily lives”.
“Our country is still healing. In a time like this we choose simplicity, respect and togetherness. The Christmas tree will still be lit, but it will shine with purpose as a symbol of hope to every Jamaican. This year attests to this. It reminds us of how quickly life can change and how much we need each other. But it also reminds us of what truly matters. Christmas is not just about how big the celebration is ... it is about care, kindness and community,” Swaby said.
He added, “It’s about giving with love, not for show, not for applause, but because it is the right thing to do.”
Mayor Swaby also implored residents to keep the city clean and asked vendors to keep the sidewalks clear, especially during the busy Christmas season, which comes with the yearly challenge of vending in places that are not meant for vending.
“When our sidewalks and roadways are blocked it slows everything down ... traffic, business and even basic safety. It makes it harder for people to walk, harder for them to shop, and harder for us to keep order. And, the truth is, in the end, it hurts not only the public, but the vendors themselves. Work with us ... help us to keep downtown safe and welcoming to everyone,” he added.
On another note, he announced that Stone Love will bring merriment to the park on Christmas Eve.
Jermaine Tomlinson from title sponsor Sagicor had an interesting little battle with the breeze, which swept away his notes on two occasions. However, like Jamaicans in the face of Melissa, he showed fortitude.
“As we illuminate this tree tonight, I want us to take a moment to shine a light of solidarity and love on every community that has been affected by Melissa. At Sagicor, our role is about standing with our people, especially in the most challenging moments ... and we are facing a moment of devastation,” Tomlinson said.
He shared, to applause, that Sagicor has allocated $200 million to Hurricane Melissa recovery support, half of which, “will be dedicated to rebuilding health facilities destroyed by the storm”.
Interspersed throughout the speeches were performances from award-winning groups Laud Dance Ministry and Denham Town Dance Academy, as well as soloist Jovanni Richards. The youngster, who has won many awards at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) annual competitions, showed why he was so deserving.
On the programme, Jovanni was supposed to perform once, but as fate would have it, he basked in the spotlight thrice. His first time on the stage, he paid tribute to the late Jimmy Cliff with Many Rivers to Cross. The absence of a quartet from Calabar saw him step up to soulfully croon Marley’s Redemption Song, after which the audience demanded “more Jovanni”. To make the plea more effective, a Rastaman in the audience shouted “Rasta seh so!”. An amused emcee, CEO of KSAMC, Robert Hill, continued the ceremony but kept his promise to bring Jovanni back again.
Closing out the evening’s performances was acclaimed trumpeter, Dwight Richards, whose set was a delightful mix of Christmas favourites and reggae staples blended with ska and rocksteady. Richards brought on Oneil ‘Nazzleman’ Scott, the 2016 and 2018 winner of the JCDC Festival Song Competition. The duo worked well and upped the enjoyment ante.
An unlikely star, who totally embodied the spirit of Christmas, emerged during this segment. A regular member of the public, who appeared to have challenges, his presence on stage wasn’t announced; he just appeared and started dancing joyfully. Excitement rippled through the audience as their cellphones quickly switched to recording mode, eager to capture his every dance move. He basked in the moment.
Among those present at the ceremony were Assistant Commissioner of Police, Donovan Graham; Member of Parliament for North Western Manchester, Mikael Phillips; Councillor Patrick Roberts; Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell of Stone Love; Councillor Phylicia Henry Golding, and First runner-up of Miss Kingston and St Andrew Festival Queen, Johnique Francis.