Sumfest supports Boys & Girls Club, fire brigade

MONTEGO BAY — The Montego Bay Boys' and Girls' Club has received a cheque for $300,000 from Executive Director of Reggae SumFest, Johnny Gourzong, to assist in the procurement of musical instruments for their band.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade, Montego Bay, also received a gift from the organizers of Reggae SumFest, of a new computer valued at approximately $100,000.

The presentations were made at the official launch of the 19th staging of Reggae SumFest, at the Iberostar Rosehall Hotel, Montego Bay.

Reggae SumFest Promotion’s Director of Transportation, Howard Deers, told JIS News that this was the organization’s way of giving back to a community which has given tremendous support to the festival over many years.

“Whenever the show is on, we have artistes coming to sing and we have players of musical instruments. We are, therefore, investing this $300,000.00 in the club and giving something back to the community,” Mr. Deers said.

He also indicated that the Jamaica Fire Brigade has consistently partnered with SumFest, giving support and professional safety services, and the management of the festival thought that is was only fair to make the presentation to show their appreciation.

Mr. Gouzong pointed out that Reggae SumFest has survived, mainly because it has been a team effort.

He said that, over the years, Reggae SumFest has tried to maintain quality and innovation, and has remained faithful to reggae and dance hall music, but has never been exclusive.

“We have, for the most part, been inclusive and from day one, we have presented top international acts on the stage at the festival, and we continue to do so,” he said.

Mr. Gourzong also announced that this year, the festival will be honouring some of the entertainers who have contributed to the development of Jamaica’s music, including Beres Hammond, E.T. Webster and the late Gregory Isaacs.

The Montego Bay Boys’ and Girls’ Club was the national parish project for St. James in the recent Labour Day activities, receiving overwhelming support from the business community and residents.

By GLENIS ROSE, JIS Reporter