Jamaica Shines at Commonwealth Fair 2008

Jamaica’s rich and diverse culinary heritage was on show at the 2008 Commonwealth Fair, which was held last weekend at the Kensington Town Hall in London.
The Jamaican booth at the event, which was mounted by staff and friends of the High Commission in London, was among the most popular, with scores of patrons stopping by and purchasing the range of local food and products that were available. Featured were traditional fare such as ackee and salt fish, jerk pork and chicken, rice and peas, rum punch and patties. Other popular items included the range of Jamaican rums, sauces, Blue and High Mountain coffee, crackers, hard dough bread, banana and plantain chips.
The annual Commonwealth Fair is the main fund-raising event of the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL), which was founded in 1925 to promote the education of girls throughout the Commonwealth. Money raised goes to the support the Education Fund, which provides sponsorship for girls from poor backgrounds, to enable them to complete secondary education in their own countries.
The Education Fund is currently sponsoring approximately 400 girls in 25 Commonwealth countries including Jamaica.
The fair is renowned for its rich Commonwealth flavour, with each country presenting handicrafts, produce and culinary items, which reflect the diverse cultures of the Commonwealth.