UDC doubles down on fireworks festival

The Urban Development Corporation says that it has suspended internal staff celebrations, but is still hosting its fireworks shows on New Year's Eve.

In a press release issued yesterday, the entity said that suspending its own internal events was in keeping with the Government's directive regarding the suspension of staff parties across ministries, departments, and agencies.

"It is important to distinguish, however, between internal staff functions and long-standing public service initiatives delivered for the benefit of the Jamaican people. The UDC Fireworks Festival is not a staff event. It has never been a celebration for employees. It is a public initiative planned, executed, and staffed by UDC employees on behalf of the people of Jamaica," the UDC said. "For staff, it represents a significant operational undertaking rather than a celebration."

The UDC said that the Fireworks Festival forms part of its public service mandate to provide safe, inclusive, and meaningful spaces for national togetherness, particularly at moments of recovery and reflection.

"This year's staging takes place in the context of communities still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa, with particular attention given to areas that have experienced significant hardship," the entity said. "The decision to expand the Festival to additional parishes was guided by that reality. It reflects a deliberate effort to bring moments of joy, unity, and hope to communities that have endured loss and disruption, especially families and children." In addition to the traditional shows in downtown Kingston, Ocho Rios, St Ann, and Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, St James, it will bring New Year's fireworks to Black River, St Elizabeth, and Long Bay Beach, Negril.

The entity said that it remains mindful of the national context and has approached all year-end activities with restraint, sensitivity, and purpose.

"The Fireworks Festival is intended not as festivity for its own sake, but as a community-focused experience that supports emotional recovery, social cohesion, and national morale."