Clarendon family witnesses fireworks for first time

As the final hours of 2025 ticked away, streams of people made their way down to the Kingston waterfront, turning the usually breezy stretch into a sea of blankets, folding chairs, laughter and flashing toy lights.

Families claimed spots early, spreading sheets on the concrete, while children played with glowing swords and toy trucks bought at Grand Market. Among those soaking in the atmosphere was 56-year-old driver and farmer Oniel Edwards, who brought his family to see New Year's fireworks for the very first time.

"It's their first experience because they always seeing it on television," said Edwards.

Edwards, who is from Thompson Town in Clarendon, said the moment marked a significant shift from how he usually ushers in a new year.

"Every year we are normally at watch night [service]. Mi always mek the new year catch me in the church but this is a little different," he said.

"People will judge those who don't go to church as they normally would or condemn them but the true church is within yourself," he added.

The outing carried deeper meaning for Edwards' family, especially his wife, who has spent decades in the classroom.

"My wife teaches, about 24 years, and she never took a holiday. So she went away for Christmas and just come back. I just picked her up from the airport and since we are in Kingston, and they always wanted to come, we stopped," he said.

Nearby, his children were eager to get closer to the bounce houses and Ferris wheel.

"My son is eager to go change his pants to put on a shorts so he can go and play on the rides. The children are both excited and I'm happy to see that light in their faces; they can be children with all that is happening around them," he said.

As the children ran off to enjoy the rides, Edwards remained seated along the waterfront, quietly grounded in the moment.

"I am praying and asking God for 2026 to be a better year, one of blessings and new experiences for everyone. I want to help people more and to serve my country in any way I can," he said. In and around the downtown area, others shared their own reflections as 2025 wound down.

"We deh yah a look pon plane, cause there is nothing else to do. Belly still a go out and a come in so we can't complain," said one person. For Takeese, ringing in 2026 was all about atmosphere and escape.

"I'm planning to watch fireworks at the Long Mountain Country Club. It's just thing that most people just go to watch the sparks. There's a pool there so it's a good vibe," said Takeese. But she was not optimistic for the year in general.

"I'm not being pessimistic but mi feel like 2026 nah go be it either. With everything weh a happen, I don't have the best feeling about it."

Walking with her was Dante, who said work would keep him away from the celebrations, and whose outlook on the coming year swung sharply between dark humour and raw honesty.

"The only way mi can't look forward to 2026 a if mi dead and that nah go happen," he said, summing up a feeling shared by many.

"[The year] 2026 haffi betta because it cyaa get no worse than this. Every day mi stress out! Thank God today (Wednesday) a the last day," Dante said.