For the first time, the parish of St Mary will usher in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display on the beach of Paggee in Port Maria.
The event, themed “Bonfire – igniting unity in our community,” is being held under the patronage of Port Maria Mayor Fitzroy Wilson and promises to be an exciting celebration for residents and visitors alike.
The evening’s festivities will include boat rides to Cabarita Island, followed by a fireworks display just before midnight to mark the beginning of 2025.
Refreshments will be available for purchase at designated booths, and admission is free.
There will be live performances by gospel singer Kukudoo and others.
The event is being sponsored by the St Mary Municipal Corporation; Member of Parliament for Central St Mary, Dr Morais Guy; and People’s National Party (PNP) MP aspirant for Central St Mary and businessman Omar Newell.
Newell took to Instagram to share the story behind the event, revealing that the organizers of the fireworks are the same team that has traditionally hosted the Fireworks on the Waterfront in Kingston.
According to Newell, the idea for the fireworks display was first shared by the fisherfolk at a meeting over a year ago, but was taken and used by a “trusted guest” without giving credit.
Newell expressed his support for the organizers, stating, “A little over a year ago the fisherfolk shared their idea for fireworks at a meeting.
“A ‘trusted guest’ at their meeting took their idea and ran with it without giving credit. They reached out and we are on board to support their vision,” he said.
