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Howard Deers transports the stars

Published:Friday | July 22, 2011 | 12:00 AM
The Reggae Sumfest team responsible for transportation of the stars of the festival. From left are: Donald Martin, Nicola Thomas and Howard Deers of Summerfest Productions. - Photo by Sheena Gayle

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

A small team has taken on the mammoth task of transporting the stars of Reggae Sumfest, but Howard Deers and his team of efficient staff are undaunted in their efforts to ensure that entertainers get to the venue on time and in style.

"Our role is very important for Reggae Sumfest because if the entertainers are not at the venue on time it can create many challenges for the show," Deers told The Gleaner.

Deers is the transportation director at Summerfest Productions (organisers of Reggae Sumfest) and has been in this capacity since the inception of the event in 1993. He has years of experience in ensuring that entertainers are transported smoothly and without major hiccups.

His team includes Nicola Thomas and Donald Martin.

In addition to the three-member Reggae Sumfest transport unit, Jamaica Tours plays a critical role in the execution of operations and has been a long-standing sponsor of the premier entertainment event.

On time

"When patrons pay to see an artiste they expect to see them," Deers explained.

"So we just ensure that we play our part in ensuring that they are at the venue ahead of their scheduled performance time. Sometimes the artistes are at the venue up to two hours before their performance."

He credited the efficiency of Jamaica Tours which, according to him, continues to do a first-rate job in providing comfortable transportation with a touch of class.

That is an element Deers believes "really makes a difference in our success as a unit and, by extension, the show".

Deers also dispelled concerns that overseas entertainers were treated differently from their local counterparts.

"It is a level playing field for all our artistes, local and international. We ensure that everyone arrives at the venue comfortably and that their holding area has all they need to make them comfortable. We are comfortable with the things that have been put in place and all I can say is that we are ready," Deers had said, days before yesterday's start of 'The Greatest Show on Earth'.