Dazzling MoBay Jerk Festival on the horizon
$375,000 in scholarships handed out at launch
Published:Friday | June 21, 2024 | 12:09 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Montego Bay Jerk and Food Festival, which has emerged over the past 15 years as one of Jamaica’s premier food and musical festivals, will be staged on August 1 at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, with organisers promising a day of fun and frolic for patrons.
At Wednesday’s launch at the Holiday Inn Resort in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, the food festival’s foundation, which was created to provide funding to needy schools and students to assist in the educational process, handed out $375,000 in scholarships to 15 students. The pupils were from Green Pond Primary, Albion Primary, Glendevon Primary, Farm Primary and Infant School, and Salt Spring Primary and Infant School.
According to businessman John Lindo, who conceptualised the festival, the scholarships, which went to students deemed to be in need of financial assistance, underscore the Montego Bay Jerk Festival Foundation’s commitment to supporting education and empowering the next generation.
“We are deeply committed to giving back to our youth, who represent the future of our community,” said Lindo, who started his education at Salt Spring Primary School.
“By supporting their education, we are investing in a brighter tomorrow. I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the people of Montego Bay and beyond for their incredible support over the past 15 stagings. Without you, this festival would not be the success it is today,” noted Lindo.
The festival is renowned for showcasing a variety of jerk foods, showing off the creative skills of various chefs using a variety of Jamaican herbs and spices to create delectable dishes. This has emerged over the years to be as much of an attraction as the entertainment segment, which has featured an array of top-flight reggae stars.
“As the premier jerk and food festival in the region, it will continue to attract thousands of locals and tourists alike, who are eager to indulge in Jamaica’s finest culinary offerings and entertainment,” said a confident Lindo in touting the impact the event has had over the years.
The entertainment package, which will offer the usual blend of gospel and secular music, for this year, has already confirmed acts such as Rajah Wild, Kraff, JQuan, Kaka High Flames and Prince Saj.
“The Montego Bay Jerk and Food Festival will not just be an event; it will again be a cultural experience that brings together families from all over to enjoy the best of Jamaican cuisine, music, and community spirit,” noted Lindo, who added a spectacular glow at the launch by presenting a classy performance by a dance troupe from the Glendevon Primary School, who displayed amazing talent and creativity.