ST ANN, Jamaica-After experiencing a devastating blow caused by Hurricane Beryl last year, the Poko Loko Floating Bar will re-open on May 26 in Ocho Rios.

CEO Anthony Warren told Observer Online on Friday that the entity, which employs 65 Jamaicans from Ocho Rios and surrounding areas, is expected to bounce back bigger and better.

“We had over US$1 million in damage caused by the hurricane, but we are coming back on May 26, stronger, bigger and better. Our staff is eager to welcome our customers, and it will be a lot of fun and excitement on the opening day,” Warren, who is from San Antonio, Texas, shared.

Warren, who has been visiting Jamaica for several years, fell in love with the island and has adopted three schools from the parish of St Ann, where he provides school supplies, athletic equipment and other items.

“I have always been involved in the lives of Jamaicans by assisting institutions such as Brown’s Town Infant, Liberty Learning Centre and Runaway Bay Primary. All 65 of my employees at Poko Loko are Jamaicans from the parish. I love Jamaica and the people,” the CEO explained.

He said the idea for starting Poko Loko in July of last year was that of two of its founders, including Peter Lawson.

“Peter Lawson and another partner started the operation, and they brought me on as CEO later, so it was founded by Jamaicans. We target everyone, from the hotels to the cruise ships and regular ordinary Jamaicans. It has been received very well by everyone when it opened and we are very excited about the reopening,” Warren disclosed.

-Kevin Jackson

From left to right, Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis, CEO of Poko Loko Anthony Warren and Tourism Minister Ed Bartlett at the opening of Poko Loko last year