ST MARY, Jamaica — Pagee Beach will be the stage for an epic New Year’s Eve bash, which has taken on added significance for families and businesses impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Co-hosts Pagee Fisherman Group and Member of Parliament Omar Newell have promised that the whole-day event will provide non-stop entertainment well into the night and will upstage last year’s inaugural show.

The day will begin as a family treat with a focus on bringing joy to children. Popular St Mary artiste Yaksta is among those down to perform later in the day, and at midnight, fireworks will light up the Port Maria skies, signifying the beginning of a new year.

“This event is about lifting spirits and restoring togetherness after the passing of the hurricane. This is a beacon of hope, boosting local vendors and businesses too,” Newell told Observer Online.

He commended the fisherman group for spearheading the event and urged more neighbourhood groups to work together to bring a sense of pride back to their communities.

— Ingrid Henry