MoBay’s mayor promises a good time for Reggae Sumfest visitors
Published:Saturday | June 8, 2024 | 12:08 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Overseas reggae fans, who will be jetting into Montego Bay for the 2024 edition of Reggae Sumfest, which will be staged between July 14-20, can expect a warm embrace. The city’s mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, says that a red-carpet style welcome is awaiting them.
“As we gear up to host the world’s most renowned reggae and dancehall music festival, Reggae Sumfest, I extend a warm invitation to our global citizens to bask in the Caribbean’s top destination, Montego Bay,” said Vernon, who noted that the city is ready to showcase entertainment in all its grandeur.
As the St James Municipal Corporation, which Vernon leads as chairman, prepares to unleash the full range of the city’s hospitality on the visiting music fans, the mayor, who has once again designated Montego Bay as ‘Reggae Sumfest City’, for the duration of the festival, said an extraordinary event awaits the fans.
“This extraordinary event, distinguished by its blend of top-notch artistes, designers, sound and video professionals, stylists, and production teams, truly encapsulates the essence of our city and promises an unmatched experience,” noted Vernon.
“From the lively beauty salons to the bustling taxi stands, and the mouthwatering scent of jerk chicken wafting through the air to the fully occupied rooms and sold-out season bands, Montego Bay buzzes with the festival’s offerings,” added Vernon.
Vernon is also planning to have the city aesthetically ready, noting that the event is in harmony with the recently launched MoBay STEP-UP programme, which will facilitate beach clean-up among other activities designed to give the entire city a pristine look.
“I invite our visitors to immerse in entertainment while enjoying the privileges of our sun, sea, sand and the contagious culture of our people,” noted Vernon. “Reggae Sumfest is more than just a festival; it’s a cultural and economic force to which you, our esteemed guests, contribute.”
Vernon also noted that he is looking forward to the spin-off benefits the city will derive from staging the popular festival, which will feature top-flight acts such as international R&B star Baby Face, iconic Jamaican crooner Beres Hammond, Anthony B, Luciano, Capleton, Turbulence, Teejay, Valiant, Dexta Daps, Aidonia, YG Marley, Jada Kingdom, Munga, Ras I and new sensation Nigy Boy.
“It injects approximately one billion dollars into our economy each year and generates employment for thousands during its season,” explained Vernon.