Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
GOURZONG
WESTERN BUREAU:
BREAKFAST WAS just a precursor to the ambitious offer made by Summerfest Productions to western Jamaica's business community yesterday.
An offer of $400 million in direct spend by Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest patrons annually, was the amount used to massage the digestive tracts of the large group of prospective investors who turned out for 'reggae breakfast' at the Coral Cliff Hotel and Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay.
"The involvement of the business community is critical to the success of this event," said Johnny Gourzong, the event's executive director.
Emphasising the importance of a unified buy-in, Mr. Gourzong spoke of the significance of including new stakeholders and all business operators within the western region into a partnership with his organisation.
WE CAN DO EVEN BETTER
"Currently, the direct spend is $400 million, but we can do even better," he said. In fact, research has shown that if the organisers can increase the number of patrons, from 45,000 annually to 60,000, the direct spend would increase to $500 million.
President of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mark Kerr Jarrett, who said the community needs to ensure the success of the event, welcomed the call. "Partnership is actually an investment, because everybody gets a return on their investment," he said.
This year, the organisers have dubbed the event, 'Jamaica's Greatest, the World's Best'. The event will be staged from July 16 - 22, at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre, Montego Bay.
