New venue for Little Ochie seafood fest?

Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The organisers of the Little Ochie Seafood Carnival are exploring the possibility of relocating to a new venue following its 14-year stint at its base in Alligator Pond, St Elizabeth.

"It is something I have been thinking about for some time now, but I am still unsure because we might lose the atmosphere," said Evrol 'Blackie' Christian, proprietor of the popular eatery.

"More and more (patrons) coming, but it is a big decision that could make or break us."

'Blackie' started his entrepreneurial quest at the very spot where Little Ochie now sits, building his shop that sold mint tea and boiled eggs as well as cold beers to the fisherfolk.

It is understood that one of the facilities being looked at for the new seafood
carnival venue is the Alligator Pond Primary School. However, the
reported talks of the relocation of Rebel Salute Reggae Festival to
Richmond, St Mary, from the Port Kaiser Sports Complex, is also being
considered.

"It's a family, fun event that many have
grown to love," he said when asked about Port
Kaiser.

"It's a wonderful location, but nothing is
official (Rebel salute relocation), plus, any decision that is taken
must be in the best interests of the patrons because they are the ones
who make this possible."

Patrons journeyed from far
and wide to get their fill of seafood, football vibes, and music at the
event. The best in the entertainment fraternity have graced the stage of
the popular event.

Last weekend was the 2012 staging
that included an entertainment line-up of dancehall heavyweights Kiprich
and Konshens, along with calypsonian Oscar B, Powerman, Admiral Bailey,
the ageless Lady G, and Charlie Black, who gave a good account of
himself.