There was a subdued ringing in of the New Year in St. George's Monday night, with a much smaller crowd than in years past showing up in anticipation for a spirited countdown to 2002.

This being the 11th year that the Corporation of St. George's and mobile DJ Jonathan Trott of Spanish Town played host to New Year's Eve revellers, the noticeable decline in numbers made some wonder if there would be a year 12.

And with the tragic events that happened in the latter part of 2001, a party would have been just what the doctor ordered.

The New Year's Eve party in St. George's was not without incident, with Police reporting no less than five brawls in the Old Town Square during the night's festivities.

Police media spokesman Dwayne Caines said “brawlers were busy”, but added that Police were on alert and able to quell disturbances before they got out of control.

The most serious incident occurred around 2 a.m., with emergency medical units and an ambulance being called for an unidentified male who was involved in a bloody fracas.

His body laying in the middle of the street just yards away from St. George's Police Station, caused the diversion of traffic. In a separate incident, Police said a 22-year-old St. David's man received a large gash across his head, after he became involved in a fight.

Police said the man refused treatment and has refused to press charges against his attackers.

There was not the usual bumper to bumper traffic that was evident in years past - and the blank looks and folded arms of many of the estimated 4,000 people in attendance gave the appearance they were waiting for the next bus to come along, not taking part in a New Year's Eve party.

But the night was not a total loss. There were hundreds of children accompanied by parents, adding to the theme that it was a family oriented event.

Many people managed to make the most of a night of local entertainment, dancing, local food and crowd mingling.

The night began with local entertainment being provided by Spanish Town.

A DJ kick started the night by playing a variety of tunes and live bands hit the stage at 9 p.m. playing music that managed to appeal to all types of musical genres. Local group Last Rights played a mix of rock and roll, reggae group Jahstice did an hour long rendition of old and new tunes.

Prestige took the crowd energetically into the New Year with a cocktail of soca, R&B and reggae songs. When the countdown began, the traditional lowering of the Bermuda Onion took place and a huge fireworks display rounded out the night signalling the entry of 2002.

As one partygoer said, the festivities seemed “lacking this year”, but he added that there might have been a more livelier turn out if there was a headlining artist.

He added: “It's a free party and the people seem to appreciate the efforts.”

But St. George's mayor Henry Hayward said that he was pleased with this year's turn out.

“I didn't think there was a lack of revelry,” he said. “Everyone I had spoken to said they had a good time.

“It was well attended and the Corporation was quite pleased. We thought it went off quite well.”

And the mayor dispelled any suggestion that the event would not take place in 2002.