No tree-lighting ceremony for Port Antonio

Port Antonio, Portland:

The Portland Municipal Corporation has shelved plans for a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in the parish capital this year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Port Antonio Mayor Paul Thompson made the disclosure during Thursday’s monthly sitting of the municipal corporation.

“COVID-19 has changed our lifestyle in such a way that, if we are not mindful, we will think that we are living in a different world,” he said, adding that, instead of a treat, packages will be issued to the elderly and children.

“The municipal tree will be lit on December 17th. There will be no ceremony, and I think that we are going to ask for prayers and just turn on the lights. Just prayers and turn on the lights in keeping with the COVID restrictions,” the mayor said.

New vending regulations

The mayor also outlined new street-vending regulations for the Clock Tower and the Neville Antonio Park in the town, under strict guidelines.

“COVID-19 has altered all our annual events. We have to ensure that all protocols are observed as it relates to COVID-19, and, as such, street vending will only be permitted at two locations in the town of Port Antonio,” Thompson said. “And when I say allowed, I mean in limited numbers in order to maintain the COVID-19 protocols. And this is from December 21 to the 24th.”

Thompson said that vending will have a 9 p.m. cut-off point in light of the 10 p.m. curfew.

editorial@gleanerjm.com