Businessman fêtes seniors in May Pen

More than 400 of Clarendon’s seniors converged at the Vendors’ Arcade in May Pen to enjoy the annual treat hosted by May Pen businessman Tony Smatt recently.

Decked out in their Sunday best, the seniors sat under a huge tent and feasted on the deliciously prepared food, while enjoying the music in the background.

For one senior who gave her name only as ‘Debbie’, it was her first time going to the dinner and she said she could “kiss the person who made it possible”.

“I’m enjoying myself and a feel really good,” she said, in between feasting on the food provided.

For Julett Evans, who is also a first-timer at the treat, she is already looking ahead to 2020.

“It is the first time I am getting a treat like this and that is not from my family,” she gushed.

‘Sheila’, who is not a stranger to the treat, said she welcomes the opportunity for the treat as she doubts she will be receiving another like it.

Smatt, whose family served along with the rest of volunteers for the day, said he used to host a children’s treat but he realised that the seniors were being left out, so he decided to switch focus.

Now in its ninth year, the treat, which Smatt said costs a hefty sum to host, is worth every cent, just by seeing the look of enjoyment and appreciation from the seniors and not-so-seniors, who turn out to be fêted.

He said his passion for charity was fostered by his own father, who used to do the same thing for over 40 years.

– Cecelia Campbell-Livingston