Jerk Fest comes good for St James schools

True to their mandate to give back to the community, the organisers of the annual Montego Bay Jerk Festival (MBJF) marked the start of their 10th year by assisting two schools in St James through their MBJF Foundation.

Yesterday (Monday), the staff and students at the Salt Spring Primary and Infant School, had their freshly painted school buildings officially handed over to them.

They also received garbage bins to keep their surroundings clean.

"The students are very pleased with the facelift of their school and the staff and management of the school appreciate the support of the foundation," said Norma Brydson, the principal at Salt Spring. "The Board of Governors, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the staff, students and parents of the institution are truly pleased with this contribution to our school. This initiative is a trademark of their organisation and we look forward to a continued successful partnership."

Montego Bay's mayor, Councillor Homer Davis, and Dr Michelle Pinnock, the regional director for region four of the MOE, who were both in attendance for the handing over ceremony, praised the foundation's contribution and its continued support of the youth, the education system, and the Montego Bay community.

In addition to their work at Salt Spring, the foundation also staged a back to school treat in Lilliput, where numerous students were provided with bags, books, uniforms, shoes and school supplies.

John Lindo, one of the principals behind the MBJF, said he was elated to be in a position to give back to the community, which has been supporting the festival over the years.

"We believe in giving back and we believe in education. I am a product of the Salt Spring Primary School and this is just the start of our plans to assist schools in this parish," said Lindo. "In the coming months, we will be seeking out other institutions to lend a helping hand. We appreciate the Montego Bay community, it is our home and we want to contribute to its steady development."

The 2019 staging of the MBJF will take place at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, in Montego Bay, on August 1, under the theme, 'everything jerk.'