Promoter Dexton Ennis is passionate about bringing entertainment to the Jamaican people, but what many may not know is that the former “Follow the Arrow” promoter is just as committed to helping the less fortunate.  For years his birth parish, St Mary, has been reaping from his kindness with his latest act of goodwill being to the St Mary Infirmary in Port Maria.

Ennis who grew up in Mango Valley, St Mary, is the promoter of Follow the Sound — a series of sound system clashes which provide wholesome entertainment.

Proceeds from these regular events go towards various charities with some two donations already made to the infirmary within the last three months.

For the last two events held this year, Ennis has donated $200,000 to the infirmary, with the most recent donation being made last Tuesday.

 “Being a product of St Mary and knowing that tomorrow is guaranteed to no man…it is something I am passionate about,” Ennis said, adding that he will always be passionate about helping the less fortunate in society.

Ennis, who has been giving back to the parish for more than 12 years, said he will continue to assist whenever he is able. With two more events already planned for the year, Ennis said he intends to make further donations to the infirmary from the proceeds.

According to Ennis, he plans on donating another $200,000 making it  a grand total of $400,000 in donation to the facility for the year.

“I am sorry it wasn’t $4 million,” he said, adding, however, that the donation could increase based on the success of the shows.

The Follow the Sound series is sponsored by Magnum Tonic Wine. The company joined Ennis last Tuesday for the handing over of the donation to the facility.  

“Magnum is a title sponsor, they really make my event happen. For me to keep an event out of my pocket is not easy so when you have a corporate sponsor is a plus,” he explained.

Sophia Fairman, brand manager of Fortified brands and liquors of which Magnum is a part, said the company was proud to be associated with such philanthropic deeds.

“I am very very proud. Magnum has been title sponsor for Mr Ennis’s events Follow the Sound. We feel very happy to know that he is able to see the value and the need for giving back to the parish from funds that he raised from the promotion, and as title sponsors we feel good to know that we have invested in this event that can by extension contribute to a worthy cause,” she said.

The St Mary Parish Council which runs the facility was very grateful for the donation. Several councillors expressed their gratitude to Ennis for his assistance to the facility which houses the less fortunate of the parish.

Mayor of Port Maria Levan Freeman said the donation was well appreciated and will be put to great use.

“The last one we got we purchased a television for the residents. In thinking it through next time we might put in some fans to make the recreation area more comfortable,” he said.

“We want to say thanks to Mr Ennis, son of the soil,” the chairman of the St Mary Parish Council added.

Matron at the infirmary Sharon Burke also expressed appreciation at the continued support from the promoter.

“I am really elated. I am happy for it because we have so many things that this donation can go towards. I am happy for the residents because the donations always go towards something to make their life more comfortable.”

She said 93 people are housed at the facility.  

“It’s a wonderful day for us at the infirmary,” she stated.