Samosa Marshall of Team Jamaica adds finishing touches to his ribs on the grill. Team Jamaica is gearing up to compete in Kansas City's 30th annual American Royal Barbecue contest, October 1-4. The group hosted grill nights, a fund-raising drive, last Wednesday at Jo Jo's Jerk Pit, Waterloo Road, St Andrew. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

AS warm wind filled the air, so did the sweet smell of grilled ribs and chicken at Grill Night held at Jo Jo's Jerk Pit on Wednesday, August 26.

Grill Night is a weekly fund-raiser to aid the Team Jamaica, who will be competing in Kansas City at the American Royal Barbecue to be held from October 1-4. At the competition, Team Jamaica - comprising chefs Anna Chin, Gariel Ferguson, Paul Taffe, Craig Powell, Samosa Marshall and Joel Jones - will get a chance to show off their grilling skills, Jamaican style. Plus, they will have the opportunity to share with others Jamaica's interesting culture, vibe and cuisine.

At Grill Night, patrons who came out to support the team got to sample the scrumptious chicken and ribs. Each week until departure, the team will feature a different meat and sauce in an effort to help patrons choose which to pair and take to the competition in Kansas. Also, patrons enjoyed their food with some good spirits. Throughout the night, most persons could not get enough of the ribs and they were not ashamed to get seconds, thirds and more.

Members of Team Jamaica (from left) Paul Taffe, Samosa Marshall, Craig Powell, Anna Chin, Joel Jones and Gariel Ferguson.

Sophia Green eagerly waits as Paul Taffe fills her plate with the mouth-watering ribs.