One of the memories cherished by people all around the world is what they claim is their best Christmas. To Clinch, a Jamaican-born reggae artiste living in the UK, his special Christmas came in 2023.

“This was when I visited Jamaica, Christmas 2023. I arrived from Manchester, England, and landed at the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

“Before migrating, I lived with my mom and stepdad. I had not visited them for more than a decade. This would be a surprise visit and I really wanted it to be one. I didn’t tell anyone of my immediate family or give them the slightest clue that I had any intention of coming to Jamaica.”

“I recall driving to the house from the airport, and never missed my route. Pulling up at the gate, I could clearly see my siblings, including my small brother. I stepped out and that was when the action began. It was a moment of disbelief, mixed with anxiety.”

“I was wearing a pair of jeans pants, a Versace top, and chainers, popularly called sneakers in Jamaica.”

“As I closed the door and made two steps towards the verandah, everyone came rushing towards me. They hugged on to me refusing to let go, and my emotion led to tears which I tried desperately to hold back. At one point, I tried lifting my feet which felt glued to the ground.”

“‘Mom! Mom! Al is here. Him come for Christmas!’ stubbornly gushed from my sister’s mouth. My stepdad was speechless. Poor mom was numb for minutes; her eyes were watery, then she just let the tears run freely, even dripping on her white nightgown. Then, she began smiling, and it seemed that sunshine never ended for the rest of the day.”

“They must have echoed, ‘You really come Al?’ some fifty times while I was around, and I accepted each stare and compliment with grace and honor.”

“The house, painted white, is a landmark in the community. Its size made it impossible to hide, not with its modern design.”

“As soon as I was settled, I asked each one what they wanted to eat and the pick was mainly between jerked pork and jerked chicken. I chose the latter and it was real spicey and delicious.”

Clinch got the perfect opportunity to meet his friends.

“There was a party going on that night and I met my childhood brethren. My brother, who saw him first, led me to him. He was more than overwhelmed. He (my brother) told him that the General was around. He created excitement, bending to my knees. I do not relish such behaviour, tried hard to get him up, but he continued in the same position.”

“The rest of my stay was nothing short of hectic. Each morning someone new was at my gate wanting to greet me. It was that visit that led to recording my ‘No To Poverty’ song. I usually sing praises to the Almighty, but since that time I have been praising the Lord more than ever.

“For this Christmas 2024, I plan to be with my immediate family enjoying the many gifts, but Christmas in 2023 will always be very very special to me.”

(Photo contributed)