Montego Bay Weekend excites

July 20, 2023

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American model Bernice Burgos on hosting duties at the Beach Bash at Tropical Bliss Beach.

From left: Ashani Dildy, Ophelia Manubah and Stephanie Reid flew in from New York for Montego Bay Weekend.

Brinda Henry, from California, at the beach bash held at Tropical Bliss Beach in Montego Bay.

From left: Shineka Melhado, Carltonia Brown, Tasania Samuels and Darlene Rhoden relax inside Elevate Lounge and Nightclub during the kick-off party.

Louis VonRippon Jr (left), of LV Group and Elevate Lounge and Nightclub, takes a photo with Oral Heaven, president, Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Louis VonRippon Jr, conceptualiser of the recently held Montego Bay Weekend party series, says the event has great potential to develop into a major entertainment event capable of boosting the local economy and adding to Jamaica's exciting entertainment offering.

The event, held July 7-9, attracted scores of North American tourists. It included a kick-off party hosted by American reality TV star, India Love, at Elevate Lounge and Nightclub, a beach bash hosted by American model, Bernice Burgos, at Tropical Bliss Beach, as well as a party held at Elevate Lounge and Nightclub.

"The patrons loved it. They thanked me for inviting them to Jamaica and they're looking forward to coming back," said VonRippon Jr, who is also part owner of Elevate Lounge and Nightclub.

The Montego Bay Weekend party series was a collaborative venture between LV Group 704 and Selective Group.

VonRippon Jr said American athletes, who were among the patrons, "are already on the phone with realtors looking to purchase villas".

"I'm estimating we had over one thousand visitors and spend would be approximately US$1,500,000," VonRippon Jr stated.

He said, however, that the event was not without hiccups as the local cost for items, including high-end car services, top-shelf liquor, hotel rooms and villas are very high.

"If we can work in conjunction with the Jamaica Tourist Board, I think we will have a better turnout and experience," VonRippon Jr said.

He added: "This series has a lot of potential and we're looking forward to what's next on the horizon with this initiative."