MONTEGO BAY, St James — Despite what he says is less than ideal support from the local business community, John Lindo, principal organiser of the Montego Bay Jerk and Food Festival, says he’s still expecting a solid event. That optimism is based on the expertise he’s built up over the last 12 years of hosting the show and the impressive entertainment package he has lined up this year.

“I can feel, from all indications, we are going to have a very good festival. This is our 13th year and Montego Bay Jerk and Food Festival always is a great festival. The people really love it and we want to continue — and not only continue but continue our work in giving back to the community as we always do,” he said.

Lindo was speaking with the media on Thursday after the show’s official launch at Holiday Inn Resort, Montego Bay.

The festival will be held on August 1.

“There will be a great line-up to include Teejay, here from Montego Bay. There will also be Ity and Fancy Cat, and Julie Mango will come down from the [United] States,” he disclosed.

Dancehall artiste Teejay, who was already riding high with his hit song Drift, is even more popular now after Friday’s inking of a deal with Warner Music Group in Manhattan, New York. Ity and Fancy Cat are expected to have the audience in stitches with their hilarious skits, while social media sensation Juliet “Julie Mango” Bodley will serve up her own brand of comedy.

As for the food, Lindo said there will be a number of local restaurants providing a wide array of meals for those who come through the gates. Then there are the special deals.

“There will be a VIP section which will be food-inclusive. You pay one money, which is $6,000, and you eat and drink all day. That’s cheap money; $6,000 to see such a good show plus you eat and drink all day? It’s like a giveaway,” he said.

Like Lindo, minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister Homer Davis, who spoke at the launch, is optimistic about the show, especially within the context of Jamaica’s strong post-COVID-19 recovery.

“From all indicators… we are doing much better now than 2019 and before. I’m sure you will have that spin-off,” he assured.

The family friendly event will run from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The only thing dampening his high spirits is what he said was a lack of sponsorship support from Montego Bay’s business community.

“If you check the records, for the last 13 years it’s a very good festival. We don’t get involved in anything that’s bad. But for some reason we don’t get support from the business community of Montego Bay, and it’s a shame,” he lamented.

He’s happy, though, for the support of other entities that have come on board.

Montego Bay Jerk and Food Festival will be staged at Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay.