Generator-powered Christmas tree for Black River as recovery efforts continue
Published:Monday | December 15, 2025 | 12:07 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A gasolene generator will be used to power a scaled-down Municipal Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Black River, St Elizabeth, as parish leaders move to keep hope alive in communities still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
“For this year, the Christmas tree lighting will be a scaled-down activity based on the current situation,” said Richard Solomon, mayor of Black River and chairman of the St Elizabeth Municipal Corporation.
“We are just putting a little family get-together sort of situation, have a little Christmas tree lighting which will be powered by a generator, where we will say a word of prayer and sing a few carols, just to ensure that we are keeping hope alive through this activity.”
Solomon told The Gleaner that the decision reflects resilience in the face of widespread destruction.
“Notwithstanding the devastation that we would have gone through, we are still going to do our little bit,” he added.
The ceremony, tentatively scheduled for December 22, will be held in Black River, on High Street, as a statement of commitment to the town’s recovery.
“We are doing it in Black River. That is our commitment – that we are not leaving Black River – and we are ensuring that we are going to build back stronger in that space,” Solomon said.
Black River, the capital of St Elizabeth, was battered on October 28 by strong winds and high waves from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed or severely damaged critical and historic infrastructure, including the Black River Hospital, Black River Courthouse, educational facilities, homes and commercial buildings.
St James Tree Lighting
Meanwhile, a similar reflective observance is set to take place in St James a day earlier, on December 21, when the St James Municipal Corporation hosts a prayer vigil during its Municipal Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Sam Sharpe Square.
The tree in St James will be powered by the Jamaica Public Service, because electricity has since returned to Montego Bay and some communities across that parish following the catastrophic Category 5 hurricane.
Richard Vernon, mayor of Montego Bay and chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation, said the prayer vigil marks a departure from the usual Christmas tree concert and is intended to support residents still grappling with the effects of Melissa.
The theme of this year’s event in St James is ‘Hope in the Midst of the Storm’.
“We are hoping that it will provide a platform for citizens to be engaged in a session of praise and worship following the Category 5 hurricane,” Vernon said.
He added: “We have spoken to the St James Ministers’ Fraternal and have asked for its support in getting the churches involved in the evening’s proceedings. At certain points during the evening, intercessional prayers will be offered – giving thanks and praises that we survived Hurricane Melissa. We will also remember those who unfortunately lost their lives during the hurricane.”