MoBay Jerk Fest set to please palates

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:Sharon Ffolkes-Abrahams, state minister for industry, investment and commerce, has underscored the need for Jamaica's agriculture sector to expand rapidly into food processing and exports to stimulate income generation for the country.

"As it concerns agro-processing, I think that's the way for Jamaica. We have a lot of products that have not yet been either canned or preserved," she said.

"For instance, I think of dried mango that is exported all over the world, and we have so many mangoes here, they drop off the trees and we don't have any again until next year."

BOOSTING EARNINGS

Ffolkes-Abrahams, who was speaking at the official launch of the Montego Bay Jerk Festival, said that Jamaica needs to incorporate the old recipes of preserving and new technologies to produce products fit for export in a bid to spur tangible increases in export earnings.

"This would serve to increase our exports, and, in turn, rake in well-needed foreign exchange, which can help to offset our balance of payments and set the country on a solid footing."

She hailed the Montego Bay Jerk Fest as a landmark event in the celebration of Jamaica's golden jubilee and said it provides an excellent platform to celebrate our multicultural image and heritage.

Promoter of Montego Bay Jerk Fest, John Lindo, said the event would be held at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre on Emancipation Day, August 1, under the theme 'Come Let's Celebrate'.

EVERYTHING JERKED

"Everything will be jerked this year. Patrons will get the opportunity to experience unique jerked food, especially since our sponsor, Red Stripe Light's products, will be fused with much of what is going to be prepared," said Lindo. "We have secured dancehall heavyweights Konshens, Tifa, and Khago as part of our entertainment line-up, and we're sure the patrons will enjoy the special performances they have planned."

The show will also feature gospel artiste Jermaine Edwards with comedian Pretty Boy Floyd and Elmo as hosts.

President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Davon Crump, endorsed the festival as a signature event, which he hopes will stimulate further commercial activity in Montego Bay.

"I am looking forward to it and I am hoping that it will generate quite a buzz in terms of where business is concerned because any type of festival in Montego Bay will boost business, and we will be having visitors coming from all over to enjoy it. It is something that the economy needs."