JCDC Festival of Foods Showcase in St. Mary

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) kicked off its annual Festival of Foods Regional Showcase (Northern Region) at the St. Mary Sports Club, Annotto Bay on Friday (May 7).
The event featured the display of a wide variety of culinary categories, including main dishes, desserts as well as napkin folding and table setting.

Participants preparing dishes at the JCDC annual Festival of Foods Regional Showcase at the Annotto Bay Sports Club, St. Mary on Friday (May 7).

The parishes involved were Portland, St. Mary and St. Ann, and among the participants were students in the region, amateur chefs, chefs in training and a number of community groups. Special feature was a mini concert and evening showcase, with performances by guest artistes Becenta and Gee Whiz and local entertainers from St. Mary.
Other attractions included food displays, celebrity cook-offs and a mystery basket competition.
Speaking to the Jamaica Information Service, during the event, Regional Manager for the Northern Region of the JCDC said she was satisfied with the way the day’s activities went. She said the quality of the entries were of a very high standard and were reflective of the high level of preparatory work done by the participants.
Noting that special emphasis was on the use of carrots, sweet potato, Irish potato and cassava in the preparation of the dishes, Mrs. Pusey-Reid said this was deliberately done to give practical support to the “eat what we grow and grow what we eat” campaign.

Participants performing at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) annual Festival of Foods at the Annotto Bay Sports Club, St. Mary on Friday (May 7).

She commended the participants and encouraged the public to continue supporting the JCDC, as it pursues its mandate to promote Jamaican culture.