Robert Lalah, Staff ReporterTHE NATION'S record murder rate, a disastrous hurricane and a series of tragic road fatalities saw several Jamaicans taking a new approach to Christmas Day celebrations this year.
Many persons adjusted their activities for the day, because of one or more of these factors - making Christmas 2004, different from all the rest, for many persons.
Antonette Black from Manchester, said the island's crime rate led her to abandon several of her traditional Christmas season activities.
FEAR OF THE NIGHT
"Most years during the holiday season I would have been out late on the days leading up to Christmas, whether shopping or out with friends. This year, however, I just really felt scared to be out until late. I was robbed earlier this year in Kingston, so the fear is still with me. I didn't feel comfortable, so most nights I just stayed home," she said.
The Linstead 'grand market', a popular Christmas season event for Jamaicans, was itself affected by the challenges of the year.
Dalton Anderson, a 59-year-old shoe vendor who operates in the market, said "Most year you find a whole heap a people, but dis year did less. Di people dem weh come jus a look an a talk bout dem nuh have nuh money," he said.
