Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Residents of Trelawny are being urged to capitalise on the major events that will unfold in the parish over the coming weeks to coincide with Cricket World Cup 2007.

The challenge came from executive director of the Local Organising Committee, Robert Bryan, while addressing the launch of Brand Trelawny at the Starfish Resort in the parish on Tuesday.

"This is a time to show the world how outstanding we are. It is an opportunity that we should not miss or take for granted. Brand Trelawny Expo will indeed be a reality," he said.

"It will outlay the foundation for our future generations. Trelawny is back."

Brand Trelawny, arguably the first and only parish on the island to be individually branded, will seek to showcase the essence of the parish, its food, music, culture and industries.

This will take the form of a two-day exposé on March 10 and 11.

"One year ago we met and shared the vision about World Cup. Today we have not only stuck to the vision, but have pursued it and we are able to launch Brand Trelawny. Many parishes did not believe Trelawny would get its act together," Mr. Bryan stated.

A lot of money

Asked how much it was costing organisers to stage the two-day event, he declined to give a dollar figure but said it was costing "a lot of money."

Trelawny has suffered several setbacks in terms of social and economic developments for decades.

"Brand Trelawny celebration will coincide with Trelawny's hosting of the prestigious ICC Cricket World Cup warm-up matches from March 5 to March 9, the official opening ceremony on March 11 and the Trelawny Homecoming activities from March 4 to 12," said Janet Silvera, event manager.

Several corporate entities are providing sponsorship for the event. These include The Gleaner Company Limited, Cable and Wireless, Scotiabank and Pepsi, among others.

Being promoted as the 18th Century Commercial Capital, the 21st Century Sporting Arena, Brand Trelawny's two-day event will see local and international performers gracing the stage, such as South Africa's Lucky Dube, Jamaica's Third World, Richie Stephens, Sanchez, Nadine Sutherland, Byron Lee, and the Accompong Drummers from Trelawny.