Downtown fireworks and best wishes for a new Gov't

Nedburn Thaffe, Gleaner Writer

As persons across the country welcomed the new year last Saturday night, hundreds gathered on the waterfront in downtown Kingston to witness the booming fireworks display which kick-started the nation's 50th anniversary celebration as an independent nation.

Many individuals took the time out to extend best wishes to the incoming People's National Party (PNP) administration, which is expected to take the reins of power in a matter days following the party's success at the polls on December 29.

Moments before the countdown to 2012, the jubilant atmosphere on the waterfront was transformed into one of reverence as men, women and children united in the 'Jamaica 50' prayer of redemption for the nation.

Almost immediately after, all heads turned skyward to witness the booming fireworks which lit up the entire downtown area.

Hope for something new

As lovers completed their embrace and vendors returned to business as usual, The Gleaner sought reactions from persons about their hopes for the new year.

"With the change of government, I hope to see something new and different. I hope they can solve the employment problem and get the street people off the streets," said Locksley Clarke.

Another person, who identified himself as Kevin, was among the many who turned out. For him, his main purpose was to conduct business as he snaked his way through the crowd with stocks of peanuts for sale. He too could not avoid relishing in the activities taking place on the waterfront.

"Me cease the hustling for a while to check out the fireworks. Every year me come here, me make a food," the peanut vendor told The Gleaner.

He too expressed best wishes to the new administration and said he was hoping for new things.

"Like how PNP in power, mek we see weh them a go do nuh," he said.

"We hope to see some good things from them."

Debra Martin and Carlton Hendricks, who welcomed the new year in a warm embrace, told The Gleaner they were witnessing the event for the first time.

"We have never seen the fireworks before, so we decided to come out this year. The fireworks is amazing," Martin said.

She described the celebration and observance of 'Jamaica 50' as one of marked importance for her.

"We are coming from as far as the days of slavery and look where we are at now. It definitely means a lot to me," she said.