Howard Campbell, Gleaner WriterPEACE WAS on the minds of many persons who welcomed the new year at the Kingston waterfront on New Years Eve amid the booming fireworks that lit up the night sky ticks after 12:00 am. But afterwards, party-goers sobered up and wished for a crime-free 2005.
Hundreds of people, which included families and groups of young people, ignored uncertain weather and turned up downtown to bid goodbye to 2004, the bloodiest year in Jamaica's history with over 1,400 persons murdered.
LOVE AND HAPPINESS
A man who identified himself as Errol, does not want a repeat of last year's bloodshed. "Bwoy, a waan seh to Jamaica...peace, love and happiness fi 2005. A waan si the shooting stop dat people can move freely," was his wish.
Arben, who looked to be in his early 20s, wished for the same; he also hopes better days are ahead for the country's youth.
"Mi waan si the ghetto youths dem come outa the slum, the gunshot fi stop beat an' people stop dead. Everybody fi unite 'cause wi know unity is strength," he said.
Coreen, holding a baby, is looking forward to more prosperous times. "Less crime and violence and more pay," she said laughingly.
The waterfront celebration has drawn hundreds of revellers since it was first staged by the Urban Development Corporation in 2000, and Friday evening's show was no different. About 100 persons watched the live concert from the Oceana Hotel's 'glass house', but it was outside that the real action took place.
MIXED BAG
The show's bill featured a mixed bag of old and new acts from the world of dancehall, and saw an energetic performance from deejay General Trees and a soothing set from harmony group the Mighty Diamonds, a pillar of the Channel One studio in the 1970s.
Later on, the genre's new wave of Rastafarian acts which included singer I-Wayne and Fantan Mojah created a buzz among younger members of the audience.
