Jamaicans can’t wait for waterfront fireworks

People from all walks of life are eagerly anticipating the clock striking midnight tonight, so they can witness the fireworks lighting up the dark sky as they look on from Kingston waterfront. With the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) setting up as early as yesterday morning, anticipation is overflowing among some persons.

Kenroy Higgins, 63, told THE STAR that he doesn't fancy Christmas celebrations, but watching the fireworks in the early minutes of January 1 is a must.

"Every year I come out enuh and watch the fireworks ... me a go forward fi di new year cause me live fi see another year again. Me neva yet miss none," he said.

And getting a good view is important - even if that means climbing on top of a building.

"Me always go up pon top a di bank ... climb up jus fi get a better view. Sometimes I carry children with me, so me afi tek dem outa the crowd and carry dem higher. It's just a likkle enjoyment a year time," he said.

Azieka Thompson travelled all the way from Montego Bay just to see the fireworks.

"I've never actually deh near before. I came down ... just to see it in person. I'm staying in Kingston with relatives. I expect it to be one of the best nights of my life," she said.

Marie Anderson has never seen the fireworks either, as she has been living in New York for more than 30 years.

'First time seeing it'

"I'm excited for the firework show because I haven't been in Jamaica for a while. I'm back for the holidays and it's a must to see the fireworks. It will be my first time seeing it. I hope it's what I think it is," she said.

Anderson wanted to get an early show, so she sat at the waterfront and watched as the venue was transformed for the event.

"I've only seen the excitement on TV, so I want to experience that excitement. I was going somewhere else and I see them setting up, so I figured I'd sit for a minute and check out what's going on," she giggled.

However, Entertainment Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange is urging Jamaicans to be careful during the celebration.

"It's an event which attracts a large number of people, thousands of Jamaicans on the waterfront. One must be aware of being safe and be aware of taking care of family members who are with you and to travel safely back home. In all the excitement, also be safe," she said.

"A parent travelling with a child should always make sure that your child is safely beside you, that you hold on to that child, that you don't have the child stray from you or don't get caught up in the moment and forget that your child is with you. I can't overemphasise the fact that you have to be careful," she said.