Mr Handsome treats his community

It was initially conceptualised as a treat for the elderly in Golden Grove, St Ann, last Saturday, but by the time Lascell Parnell, aka Mr Handsome, finished planning the event - with the help of popular playwright Everton Dawkins - it turned out to be a family affair for all ages.

In the end, elderly folks were treated to food and medical checks, the kids enjoyed the bounce-about and the food also, while there were also free HIV and other checks courtesy of the St Ann Health Department.

Persons were also entertained by comedians Lemon, Pretty Boy Floyd, Granny, Michael Jackson, and comedic DJ Grampa Entatain.

"I'm part of a round-robin and you know that with round-robin, you keep a dance. I didn't want to just do a dance and sell some alcohol, I wanted to do something different," Mr Handsome told THE WEEKEND STAR.

The event, held at Chill Spot Lawn in Golden Grove drew scores of persons.

Taniesha Palmer, behaviour change communication officer at the St Ann Health Department, said her team was happy to have partnered with Mr Handsome for the event.

"Our focus is HIV prevention, as well as STI prevention and condom promotion. We do a lot of education, we do training in terms of condom use and we offer screening," she explained.

The health education team and community health aides who were present offered free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings.

"It was worth coming," Palmer told THE WEEKEND STAR

The event was appreciated by those who turned out.

"It's a good event," said a woman who gave her name as Beverly, who said she had also intended to do some of the tests being offered.

Another woman, Debbie, said: "It's a wonderful event. It's really wonderful."