'Sassa Fras' helps Port Antonio schoolers
Published:Saturday | April 26, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer
Portland:
Having realised the plight and challenges faced by some students in the Port Antonio area and adjoining communities, businessman Michael 'Sassa Fras' Grant has provided weekend employment to high-school and college students, in order to ease the burdens on their parents.
Grant, who spoke to Rural Xpress from his fast-food restaurant, Portland Jerk Centre, in Port Antonio, explained that it has always been his lifelong dream to help the less fortunate, especially the youth, who will be the men and women of tomorrow.
"These students are 17 years and older," commented Grant. He added, "I am not into child labour, and parents have consented to their child or children working here on weekends, during holiday from school and on public holiday. I never had the opportunity of spending much time in school, as my parents simply could not afford it. However, I am trying to help these students, and by doing so, they, too, are learning about the business."
Grant, who started out as an events promoter in the 1990s, where he staged a number of dances, stage shows and Christmas treats, is now trying his hand at a different type of business, having spent the last 10 years operating a supermarket and wholesale along Folly Road in Port Antonio.
The businessman recounted that he first learned the art of business from his grandmother in the 1970s while attending primary school, where he assisted her with the selling of sky juice and freeze cream, which was sold to residents in the Prospect area and other nearby communities.
And as the years unfolded, Grant launched his first business, Uptown Mini Mart, in 1999. He pointed out that the support during the first month was tremendous, and that influenced him to revisit the drawing board, as he realised that there was a need to do expansion work as consumers were pouring in from just about every community in East Portland.
Today, Grant is no longer in the supermarket business. However, he is now heavily engaged in the selling of fast food at the Portland Jerk Centre, which was open in 2010, primarily to satisfy the cravings of students, working class persons, and other residents who need to grab a quick bite.
Among the meals sold at the new fast-food complex are jerked chicken, fried chicken, hot dog, burgers, rice and peas, soup, fried fish, juices, patties, and other pastries.
According to Grant, the support has grown, which has allowed him to provide employment to the local people.
Continuing, Grant said, "It is always in me to offer help and whatever assistance I can to students. I want to do a lot more for Port Antonio, but I am limited. I'm hindered by a shortage of capital, which has slowed me down significantly. I own several properties, but without titles, I am unable to secure loans. I have tried assiduously to get titles, but the process is slow. My vision is to invest in my town, so as to create employment to the people of Port Antonio and beyond."