MONTEGO BAY, St James — Sections of Montego Bay’s business community are bracing for the fallout from losing Reggae Sumfest to St Ann, even if it’s just for one year.

Show producers Downsound Entertainment (DSE) have announced that Sumfest 2026 will be a one-night show at Plantation Cove on July 18, featuring Vybz Kartel and Movado — a far cry from the usual week of events that have buttressed Montego Bay’s economy for years.

“Sumfest is known for its impact on the economy, hotels, villas, transportation, vendors — and all businesses have made their budgets and projections for July,” Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) Montego Bay Chapter Chair Kerry Ann Quallo-Casserly told the Jamaica Observer Monday.

“The projected jobs and revenue expected in Montego Bay will be affected,” she lamented, adding that the city will have to recalibrate over the next three months to make up the shortfall.

The JHTA chapter is already looking ahead to next year’s show.

“We are in discussions, and the assurance has been given that Montego Bay is home for Reggae Sumfest — our aim, therefore, is to fast-track all assistance to ensure our readiness for 2027. Reggae Sumfest is an economic powerhouse that Montego Bay does not ever want to lose,” said Quallo-Casserly.

In a social media post over the weekend DSE explained that Montego Bay’s Catherine Hall, the home of Reggae Sumfest, has not sufficiently recovered from the damage unleashed by Hurricane Melissa last October to host this year’s show.

“Rather than pause the brand, we propose a powerful evolution. The DSE team has decided to adapt by finding a temporary location and transitioning from a seven-day, eight-night event to a one-night ‘taste’ of the greatest show on earth, Reggae Sumfest,” it said.

Sumfest has been the golden goose that has put money in the pockets of small vendors, homeowners who rent out their extra rooms, and established hotels. Before culminating in two star-studded nights at Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex, Sumfest usually has a run-up of events starting with a beach party on Sunday, Monday’s street dance, an all-white party on Tuesday, followed by a blitz party on Wednesday, and sound clash on Thursday.

On Monday, Pier One’s Jason Russell told the Observer they will still host one of the popular shows at the waterfront property in Montego Bay this year.

“We hear that he is supposed to have some of the parties here, so we are awaiting that. They are supposed to have the All-White at Pier One but I don’t know what else,” he revealed.

Russell, who is also president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said he understands the need to temporarily move the show from the western city.

“We wish them all the best and we hope it returns to the Montego Bay in the future,” he told the
Observer.

“I am sure he has his reasons; I’m sure he would have done his due diligence and made the choice for the best of his show,” he said of DSE’s Joe Bogdanovich.

Those left deflated by Sumfest’s temporary withdrawal from Montego Bay will likely take comfort in an assurance that Dream Wkndz is still on the cards for July 30 to August 3. This is the first time Montego Bay will host the show, which has been a staple of Negril’s entertainment scene for 16 years.

In a social media post earlier this month, event organisers and tourism stakeholders assured patrons that Montego Bay is ready to host the event at multiple venues in the city. Shows will be staged at Pier One, Harmony Beach Park, Montego Bay Convention Centre, and the Aqueduct. Stakeholders also assured that they have the hotel rooms needed to accommodate revellers.

QUALLO-CASSERLY… the city will have to recalibrate over the next three months to make up the shortfall.