Tourism Director Mrs. Fay Pickersgill (centre) and Ms. Audrey Chin (left), Marketing and Customer Service Manager of Sigma Investments, discuss plans for the inaugural Portland Jerk Festival, as Dr. Donald Rhodd (at right), Member of Parliament for East Portland, enjoys a tasty dish of jerked chicken. Dr. Wykeham McNeill, State Minister of Tourism and Sport, is in the background. The occasion was a recent press conference at the Tourism Centre, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston. BOSTON, HOME of the original "jerk" method of cooking in Jamaica, will host the Portland Jerk Festival from June 24-25. Jerk is a traditional Jamaican art of cooking thoroughly seasoned meat, spiced with pepper and smoked on pimento sticks. The festival is being organised by the members of the Portland community, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.
"The staging of the festival forms part of our overall marketing strategy to promote Jamaica as a destination offering a rich diversity in cuisine, cultural heritage and natural beauty. With the growing interest internationally in 'Jamaican Jerk', our cuisine can develop into a major tourist attraction," said Director of Tourism, Mrs. Fay Pickersgill.
Portland was the obvious choice for the festival because it is the "parish of origin for jerk" and Port Antonio is one of the most attractive resorts in Jamaica, she added.
Over 40 booths displaying a range of jerked products and craft items have already been confirmed for the event. One highlight of the festival will be the Best Booth Competition that is being sponsored by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO). Other confirmed sponsors include the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and Sigma Investments.
Arrangements are being made with a number of hotels in the area for special rates to be offered to those who wish to attend the festival. Hotels that have already confirmed participation include Goblin Hill, Fern Hill, Trident Villas, the Jamaica Palance and Dragon Bay.
Patrons attending the festival will have the opportunity to win a car that is being raffled by the local Chamber of Commerce. They can also expect to be entertained at a cricket match, a special programme for children, demonstrations by the Maroon Drummers as well as other traditional groups. Music will be provided by Byron Lee and The Dragonaires.
Secured parking will be provided at the Poinciana Park and Boston Community Centre. There will be a two-way shuttle bus service operating from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. between both parking lots to the venue.
The event will be officially opened on the afternoon of Saturday, June 24 with major activities on Sunday, June 25.
