NEGRIL, Westmoreland – President of the Rotary Club of Negril Rudolph Seaton says while it is too early to give precise details, early indications are that the recently held annual donkey race in Negril was a success.

“We cannot say yet how successful it was, but based on what we have seen so far, we can say it was another very successful year,” said Seaton, as he thanked patrons, sponsors and volunteers.

He said funds generated from the race would be used to finance a raft of projects within the Negril area, aimed at improving the lives of residents.

These, he said, include an annual tertiary education assistance programme, which will be undertaken in partnership with an overseas group called Daf; improvement works on the building which houses the Hanover Educational Institute, through partnership with the Rotary Club of Calgary, and the provision of equipment to the Negril Health Centre.

The Rotary Club of Negril currently provides needy students in the area with lunch and bus fares, while there is also a school-feeding programme being undertaken in conjunction with the Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church in Negril.

This year’s well-supported fund-raising donkey race, held in Negril, saw nine animals participating.

At the end of the exciting races, the Charela Inn Resort-sponsored donkey, ridden by Javaine Andrews, walked away with the championship trophy.

The best-dressed donkey trophy went to the Cocola Palm Resort-sponsored donkey, ridden by Rushane Russell.

There were also other activities and competitions for both adults and children during the fun-filled day.

Last year’s staging of the event saw the club raising roughly US$15,000.

— Anthony Lewis