KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Bignall Law Commercial Centre in Half-Way-Tree illuminated its building on Saturday night in tribute to the victims of Hurricane Melissa, as the firm hosted its third annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.

The event drew scores of attendees and included a special partnership with a student from Hillel Academy to honour those affected by the Category 5 hurricane.

Proprietor Vaughan Bignall said the firm chose to proceed with the ceremony despite the national mood, noting that “life is about continuity” and the importance of offering hope during difficult times.

Bignall used the occasion to call for long-term housing reform, urging the Government and key institutions to address what he described as “historical injustices” that have left many vulnerable Jamaicans without secure land or proper shelter.

“It’s good to provide immediate needs, food, clothing, temporary housing, but we must look at permanent housing solutions,” Bignall said. He argued that the devastation from Hurricane Melissa exposed deep inequalities, with deaths and severe losses concentrated among residents living in unsafe structures and disaster-prone areas.

Bignall was critical of the longstanding issue of landlessness among poor Jamaicans, particularly in parishes like Westmoreland. He urged government leaders, churches and other landholding institutions to explore ways of making land available to vulnerable families, including outright gifting of parcels where possible.

“We can build solid structures, not zinc, not board, but concrete homes that can withstand hurricanes,” he said. “There is a clear correlation between poverty and hurricane deaths. Poor people die in hurricanes because they live in substandard conditions.”

He also commented on the Government’s announcement that schools being used as shelters will be vacated at the end of December. While acknowledging the need for classes to resume, Bignall said displaced residents must not be left without viable alternatives.

“The Government can’t simply remove people without ensuring they have somewhere to go,” he said. “We must do better for our people.”

Despite the heavy themes of the evening, Bignall emphasised the importance of joy and community during the Christmas season, particularly for children. He said the firm’s annual tree lighting aims to offer a moment of brightness and reassurance amid national hardship.

“Part of protecting our children is giving them a foundation — even small things like happiness at Christmas,” he said. “Tonight is also about that: hope, continuity and light,” he said.