Mayor urges Westmoreland to embrace love, unity amid Christmas celebrations
Published:Saturday | December 21, 2024 | 12:08 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy has called on the residents of Westmoreland to make a concerted effort to spread love and joy throughout the Christmas holiday, despite the toll that violence has taken on the community this year.
Delancy made the heartfelt appeal during the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Norman Square, where a large crowd of enthusiastic residents gathered on Wednesday evening.
“I urge you to remember the less fortunate among us, whether they are infirm or living alone at home,” Delancy said, emphasising the importance of caring and sharing during the Christmas season.
He encouraged attendees to extend kindness, especially to those who may be struggling, in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.
Delancy also underscored the significance of love, peace, unity, compassion, and giving during the holiday season.
“Giving is an integral part of the Christmas tradition,” he said. “I want all of us to give of our time and do a good deed each day throughout the Christmas season and into the new year.”
He added, “And if you do nothing else this Christmas, give love on Christmas Day by bonding with your neighbours on both sides of your fence. It will make a world of difference for the rest of your lives together.”
The ceremony featured vibrant performances by local talents, including Barrington Watson, who led the singing of Christmas carols, which set a colourful backdrop to the Christmas tree. The mayor described the tree as a symbol of hope and togetherness.
‘RISEN ABOVE OUR CHALLENGES’
Westmoreland Custos, Reverend Hartley Perrin, also spoke at the event, acknowledging the challenges of natural disasters faced by residents. He praised their resilience in overcoming the impacts of hurricanes, torrential rains, and even earthquakes.
“We faced two hurricanes, torrential rains, and more than one earthquake, yet we have risen above our challenges to celebrate the joy of Christmas,” Perrin said.
Like Delancy, Perrin emphasised the season as a time of giving but also took the opportunity to express gratitude to God for His mercy and grace. He urged everyone to allow the peace of the season to reduce crime and violence.
“Let the season of peace permeate the life of every individual and community,” he said, calling the resilience of the community a beacon of hope that deserves celebration.
Dawnette Foster, the Jamaica Labour Party Councillor for the Cornwall Mountain division in Westmoreland, also praised Delancy for his role in ensuring that the Christmas season started on the right note with the municipal Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
“When we look at this beautiful Christmas tree, our hearts are filled with the true spirit of the season,” Foster said. “It warms my heart tonight when I see our children come out to enjoy the Christmas holiday.”
Foster expressed her gratitude for being able to come together with family and friends and urged everyone to reflect on the year gone by and strive to be better citizens in the year ahead.
“Every year we have this celebration, but this year our Christmas tree is one of the best in Jamaica. I want to big up my mayor for the work he put in on his first Christmas celebration since the local government elections in February,” Foster declared.
“Big up yourself, mayor! I’m sure you did your best to make this happen with this beautiful Christmas tree.”
The event marked a hopeful start to the holiday season in Westmoreland, as community members came together to embrace the spirit of Christmas and reflect on the year’s challenges while looking forward to a brighter future.