The new year is upon us and it will bring new trends. But some old 2020 trends will also continue. Here are four we believe we’ll see more of in 2021!
1. Virtual Events
From webinars to concerts, the novel coronavirus sent many events virtual. That will likely continue since Jamaica must wait until the second half of 2021 for our COVID-19 vaccines, making in-person events still risky. There won’t be many complaints because the virtual events are more affordable. Here the easy-to-use live-streaming platforms have seen many successes like FAME Frequency’s Virtual Party series and JV Capital’s ‘Funding through Alternative Investment’ webinars. In-person events offer a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’, but online events aren’t going anywhere any time soon.
2. Micro Weddings
COVID-19 forced many couples to postpone their nuptials this year. But plans for a big “dream wedding” in 2021 are likely pies in the sky. In 2021, expect to see more couples embracing the “micro-wedding” trend. These small affairs are cost-effective and must be COVID-19 compliant. However, the “likkle but tallawah” principle applies. Unlike big weddings, micro-weddings let couples keep things intimate and personal and create an unforgettable experience for them and their specially-invited guests.
3. Climate change awareness
COVID-19 overshadowed the climate change monster in 2020, but the threat still looms. This year’s heavy rains and flooding and subsequent damage to our infrastructure show Jamaica must take climate change seriously. One helpful note is that in January 2021 we enter the third phase of the plastic ban started in 2019. And recently we were designated the lead national authority of eight Caribbean countries for the Green Climate Fund Civil Society Organisations initiative that will “scale up innovative climate change solutions among civil society groups and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).”
4. Mental Health Awareness
If 2020 taught us one thing, it is that health is wealth and we should be more mindful of it. This year’s stresses pushed mental health in Jamaica to the brink. Mothers found they can’t do it all, and the innocence of children doesn’t seem to make them immune to anxiety. Men realized they need to be more open about their feelings, lest they put their lives at risk. Until now, mental health remained a taboo subject for many. We hope in 2021 that most of us will be more cognizant of our limitations as a species
Wishing you all the best for the new year!