Cool Shade Jerk Centre

George Henry, Gleaner Writer

There is something special about the pork and chicken jerked by Wayne Jones at Cool Shade Jerk Centre, on Spur Tree Hill in Manchester.

Jones, who has been jerking meat for over five years, would not give away his secrets. He would only say that he uses the best seasonings to prepare his meat to keep his customers coming back for more.

He started jerking part-time while working with a contractor at the now-closed Alpart Bauxite Company in St Elizabeth. When the company stopped mining operations, he decided to take it on full-time.

"My wife used to be here while I was working at Alpart, but on weekends I was always here. Since June 2009 I decided to be here every day, because there is no work at Alpart now," said Jones.

Jones loves when his customers are satisfied, and he has received several commendations from all who travel along the Spur Tree Hill main road.

"I love when my customers come and tell me how good the meat tastes. That encourages me to do even better to give them the best," bragged Jones.

While only hinting at some of the ingredients, he notes that what he uses include; Scotch bonnet pepper, pimento leaves, black joint and a special jerk seasoning. He also said that he parboils his meat before jerking.

Nothing but the best

He explains that in addition to his meat being properly and carefully prepared, he ensures that he gets the best and sees to it that everything he uses is up to the standard required by the health department.

"I ensure that my meats are properly inspected by the health inspectors," he notes, adding that sometimes he produces his own chicken and pork which he uses.

Jones admits that the business can be challenging, because there are days when it is slow. However, he will continue to do the work because it has been helping him to provide for his family, and give his children an education.