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Sumfest thrilled

Published:Thursday | July 28, 2016 | 12:00 AM
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From left: Halleah Addiman, Jamie-Lee Blake, and her mother-in-law, Dorrett Blake.
From left: Director of Tourism, Paul Pennicook, Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett and Minister of Culture, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange in a jovial mood at Reggae Sumfest.
From left: Garth Ramsay, Philipp Hofer and Hochimin Castillo at the Iberostar booth at Reggae Sumfest last Saturday night.
From left: Lennox and Violet Lewis share lens time with Mark Hart.
The Royalton White Sands team ready to have some fun. From left: Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly, Andre Hudson and Stayce Ingram.
From left: JDF captain Keniel Smith, HEART Trust NTA's Dr Julaine Rigg and Guardsman Armoured Chester Anderson.
After their performance on Reggae Sumfest, the father and children team pose for our lens. From left: Paul, Tiffany and Stephen Blake of the group, Anavah Love Jones.
From left: Celebration Brands’ Omari Bonnie, AMCHAM’s Ron McKay, and Fitzroy ‘Saxie’ Minott.
President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Board, Omar Robinson flanked by Jamaica Tourist Board’s beauties, Janice Allen (left) and Marcia McLaughlin.
Miss Jamaica World 2013 Gina Hargitay (right) and her sister, Jovi JaJa.
From left: Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for South St James, Homer Davis poses with Summerfest Production's Robert Russell and Johnny Gourzong.
Deputy Director of Tourism Jason Hall (left) poses with Joe Bagdonovich, owner of Reggae Sumfest.
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WESTERN BUREAU:

Like a cat with nine lives, Reggae Sumfest, the greatest reggae festival on earth, proved to thousands of patrons that it had no comparison.

A week after staging two main nights at the Catherine Hall Complex in Montego Bay, many who attended are calling for a biannual event.

"Sumfest should be staged twice per year because Montego Bay needs it. The festival brings life and an energy that is unparallel to the city, which is otherwise boring," said Lorna Findlay, who has been attending for the last 23 years.

Findlay, who has never missed a staging, lauded the organisers, particularly for their bold move in 2016.

"This year in particular was excellent without a foreign act," she said.

From Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Romain Virgo, I-Octane, Popcaan and Spice - the stars of Dancehall Night, to the indelibly talented Tarrus Riley, Sanchez, Barrington Levy, Luciano, Christopher Martin and Busy Signal, on Reggae Night, the festival has come 360 degrees.

Again, the Digicel Opulence party, while not billed as part of the week of activities, was a winning combination, while the White Party at Pier One showed immense growth potential.

The much-needed injection by businessman Joe Bagdonovich has given the event new legs to stand on and larger-than-life lungs to breathe with.

Come 2017, the package which unfolds will tell the true greatness of the new festival owner.

In the meantime, take a seat and view the photos of those who turned out for the mega event.

Kudos to stalwarts Tina Davis, who has held the fort for all these years; the geniuses Johnny Gourzong and Robert Russell; Joe Hilton the financial guru; Godfrey Dyer, who has dabbled as security manager some of the years; Junior Taylor; and Sidney Reid, who is probably the best grounds manager in the country.

Big up to the main sponsors who have been true to the festival, Red Stripe, Digicel, The Gleaner, Iberostar, Carreras Group, Pepsi and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

janet.silvera@geanerjm.com