From the twinkling displays of English Harbour to the gleaming storefronts of St John’s, generations of family tradition and thousands of sparkling lights came together in last year’s Christmas lighting competition.
And behind every string of lights in the island-wide competition lies a story of 30-year traditions, of children’s wishes granted, of grandfathers’ legacies, and of neighbours bringing joy to their communities.
On Tuesday morning, these stories came to light as winners gathered to receive their prize monies and certificates for transforming the island into a festive wonderland.
Vernelle Weste, who achieved the highest score of all participants – 400 points – to cop the South Zone title, shared that his Christmas lighting tradition spans over three decades. “Well, I’ve been lighting up for over 30 years; since my kids were small,” he said.
“Competition or no competition, we light up every year, the same house in Cobbs Cross, right behind the school,” he added.
Weste, a five-time winner, credits his children for inspiring the tradition. “One of my kids was the one that said, ‘Dad, let’s put up some lights’,” he recalled.
His commitment to the community extends beyond the competition: “The joy that you see in the people, that’s what gives us the spirit to light.”
Weste confirmed he has begun preparations for the 2025 competition.
Roland Joseph secured second place with 349 points, while Philmore Braithwaite took third with 300 points in the South Zone.
North Zone winner Jean Pierre Shoul, securing his third consecutive victory with 326 points, spoke about his family’s deep-rooted connection to Christmas celebrations. “I have been participating since the competition started,” Shoul said. “The Shoul family has been involved in Christmas since my grandfather’s day … Christmas is in the blood.”
He said over the years his family learned that “it’s all about how you take down everything and store everything. You have to keep everything in order. You have to protect them, because if not, then you’re constantly replacing stuff.”
His brother, the late Gerard Shoul claimed second place with 302 points.
In the East Zone, Chatura Phillip claimed top honours with 324 points, followed by Marilyn Jones-Marsh with 307 points.
The West Zone saw Joel Rayne triumph with 330 points, while second-time participant Alix Xenne John Purple secured second place with 279 points.
“Well, my initial reason is just to bring light. Jesus is the reason for the season. And Christmas is the season for love, sharing. That’s why I will be doing it,” John Purple explained.
She added: “This year I’m going to take a different turn in my life, in my creativity. I’m going to do it a little homey.”
Rawlins D Andrew rounded out the West Zone winners with 250 points.
The business category, which covered the entire island, saw Shouls Toys Gifts and Housewares illuminate their way to victory with 317 points. Falmouth Harbour Marina secured second place with 296 points, while Pigotts Mall was third with 224 points.
All first-place winners received $3,000, with second and third-place finishers taking home $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Residential winners will enjoy an additional bonus – a complete waiver of their December 2024 electricity bills – while business category winners receive a 50 percent waiver.
Officials in the Ministry of Creative Industries commended all participants for maintaining the Christmas spirit and contributing to the island’s festive atmosphere.
