A videographer, at right, focuses his camera on the 25-foot Christmas tree just after it was lit in St. William Grant Park, downtown Kingston, on Tuesday night. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Members of the downtown Kingston community came out in their hundreds Tuesday night to behold the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation's (KSAC) Municipal Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at St. William Grant Park.

The ceremony, which marks the official launch of the Christmas season for downtown Kingston, had the Yuletide warmth and cheer spreading throughout the park.

The Scotiabank Chorale gave a rich rendition of Good News and For Unto Us A Child Is Born while Noreen Greenwood's operatic version of O Holy Night got a standing ovation.

United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, in her address as guest speaker, said she understands the importance of the tree to the community, as it brings hope and joy.

A spirit of determination

"Looking at the many faces here tonight, I see a spirit of determination that shows there is hope to come in Jamaica," said Ambassador LaGrange Johnson.

"You have a lot to be proud of, as Jamaica has the world's greatest in sports, music and scholarships," she added. "So allow that greatness to be released from within all of you. That the light on this tree be a symbol of hope."

Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie officiated at the lighting ceremony while his wife, Marcia McKenzie, Ambassador LaGrange Johnson and Olympic sprint relay gold medallist Sherone Simpson performed the actual illumination of the tree.

The annual event dates back 54 years, starting in 1952. The tree, which stands approximately 25 feet tall and is decorated with red, green and gold Christmas ornaments, will act as an attraction for shoppers and visitors to the downtown community during the Christmas season.

- Shelly-Ann Thompson