Sion Hill marks 25 years of community lighting

In 1998, when a group of members of the Sion Hill community decided to string lights at the Sion Hill Intersection, little did they know that it would have sparked a national lighting competition.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Sion Hill community is still at the forefront of the annual lighting extravaganza that is now part and parcel of the annual Christmas festivities.

To mark the occasion of its silver anniversary, the Sion Hill Lighting Committee will be reflecting on the journey from 1998 to 2023.

Chair of the Sion Hill Lighting Committee, Ideisha Jackson is thankful that despite the many challenges over the years, changes in personnel, a reduction in support, both human and financial, they have survived.

“We welcome this milestone, many came after us and have ceased to exist, so we embrace this significant occasion of being able to celebrate 25 years of lighting… We are the pioneers of community lighting here in St Vincent and the Grenadines and we as a committee and a community, are proud of this special place in Vincentian history,” Jackson told SEARCHLIGHT.

“This year in our presentation, we will be looking back, recreating things that we have done before as we reflect on the previous years,” the Sion Hill Lighting Committee Chair confirmed.

Jackson noted that part of the plan for 2023 is to pay homage to some of the persons who engineered the sustainability of the lighting process over the years in Sion Hill.

“We would also like to thank all the sponsors, donors, well-wishers, volunteers and others, who have helped us over the past years, as we endeavour to keep lighting in Sion Hill alive,” Jackson commented.

Tuesday, December 19 is the date set for the official turning of the lights at the Sion Hill Intersection.