In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation last October, a community event in Jamaica has provided profound emotional relief for affected families. Patricia McPherson, whose St. Elizabeth home was damaged by the hurricane, found unexpected therapy at the New Year’s Day Funfest held at Hope Gardens.
McPherson, currently residing with relatives in Hope Pastures, attended with her children Kylie and Kyle. She described the experience as therapeutic—the first genuine happiness her family had experienced since the natural disaster. ‘This is the first time since the hurricane that they seem so happy,’ McPherson told the Jamaica Observer, noting how completely her children became immersed in the attractions.
The festival represented a massive coordinated effort toward community healing. Event organizers transformed Hope Gardens into an entertainment paradise featuring bounce-a-bouts, zip lines, water slides, gaming stations, and dedicated fun zones. A vibrant food court offered diverse Jamaican cuisine including jerked meals, curried goat, stewed pork, and traditional pastries.
On the main stage, host Ryan ‘Debonaire’ Dixon orchestrated an engaging program including sponsor give-aways, dance and singing competitions, mascot performances, and an acrobatic contortionist. Gospel artist Kevin Downswell electrified the audience with inspirational performances of ‘Goodbye World’ and ‘Stronger’ that transformed the crowd into a spontaneous choir.
Shanelle Bailey, Funfest’s social media and entertainment coordinator, explained the intentional design behind the event: ‘In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa we knew it was important to create more than just an event—we wanted to create a moment of relief, joy, and renewal for families.’ She noted the overwhelming community response demonstrated the deep need for such healing experiences.
The festival successfully created an atmosphere where families could temporarily forget their struggles and reconnect through shared joy. For many attendees, including first-time participants like young Gabrielle and her mother Sandra, the event represented a hopeful beginning to the new year—a symbolic fresh start after months of recovery challenges.