Earlier this year, a US$500,000 sponsorship of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) ruffled more than a few feathers. However, Rebel Salute has received $500,000 support from the JTB as well. However, the contribution to Rebel Salute has been local currency.

Jahyudah Barrett of Flames Productions, organisers of Rebel Salute, said the JTB had always been on board with the event and that "they do believe in what we are doing". However, the relatively low level of financial support may be due to a misperception of the festival.

She pointed out that 10 to 15 per cent of the persons who attend Rebel Salute annually are visitors who come in specifically for the event. Hotels in Treasure Beach, some 10 miles from Port Kaiser Sports Club, are booked, while persons in the community around the venue host persons in bed-and-breakfast style. "The whole community benefits. They have their own business they conduct at that time," she said.

It is, as community members said to one political representative, "the only time they get to eat a big food".

Kenya Barrett of Flames pointed out that there were no huge hotels in the area and opined that maybe there were those who were used to the idea of that kind of accommodation and not the community-based model.

"They are thinking that a tourist is not going to want that," Kenya said. However, "that is the idea of tourism. That is where people are going: community tourism. People are giving up the five-star hotel and going to a hideaway spot where they can relax. People are moving towards India. They are going for cool-out spots," she said. "South Manchester has a lot of potential."

tourism traffic

Jahyudah explained also that they knew of a number of hotels in the area that were not on the JTB's website, which is one indicator of how much tourism traffic the event generates. Kenya added that there were no ready figures to prove Rebel Salute's tourist pull and "we are trying to get that information. We are running a survey". This will be done on show night, as well as through the concert's website and patronage at the Hilton Kingston hotel, which has a special rate.

Jahyudah said the $500,000 is simply not enough. "It can't be," she said. "Tourists are generally attracted to our language, our culture and our food," she said, Rebel Salute providing it all.

Kenya pointed out that Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica were two mobile advertisements for Rebel Salute. "They are entertainers, they are patriotic Jamaicans. They tell people 'Come to Rebel Salute'. It is in Jamaica," she said.

Flames Production said that Rebel Salute pulls in people from South America, Australia, Europe and, of course, North America. And Kenya pointed to the growth of events like Reggae Summer Jam, held in Germany, and the reggae talent in Europe.

"We have to maintain our product, our culture and just Brand Jamaica. We are already Branding Jamaica, but is we alone see it in that light," Kenya said.