PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Plans are well-advanced for the fourth staging of the Portland Jerk Festival, scheduled to be held on Sunday, July 20, at the Boston playfield in the parish.

The Portland Parish Development Committee, which has assumed responsibility for the planning of the event, has contracted the Boston Jerk Company to spearhead the planning and preparation for this year’s festival. Previously, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has had responsibility for organising the event — ever since its inception in 2000.

However the JTB is still the main source of sponsorship for this year’s festival. Other sponsors include Jamaica Broilers Group, Radio Jamaica Limited, Hot 102 FM, Air Jamaica and the Jamaica National Building Society.

Colin Bell of the Boston Jerk Company told JIS News that every effort was being made to ensure that the festival was successful and provided full satisfaction to patrons. He noted that improvements had been made to ensure easier access to the venue, adding that the number of ticket vendors has been increased to make it easier for persons to obtain tickets, particularly on the day of the festival.

Bell said parking would be available at Folly Oval in Port Antonio, Poincianna Park in Fairy Hill and the Boston and Castle Community Centres. He stressed that no parking and vending would be allowed in Boston during the festival.

Adding that an attractive entertainment segment had been planned as a major feature of the event, Bell said the performers would include the Fab Five Band, John Holt, Wayne Marshall and a number of local groups and individuals from Portland.

Part of the proceeds from the event, Bell said, would be used to finance the development of the Boston Primary School in Portland.