The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) took employee wellness to another level with its recent wellness fair, combining health, education, and a little friendly competition to empower staff to live healthier, more balanced lives.

Held at the DBJ head office on Oxford Road in Kingston, employees from various departments gathered for a day of learning, fun, and wellness-focused activities.

Toni Maxwell, president of the DBJ’s Wellness Committee, explained the vision behind the event.

“At the Development Bank of Jamaica we value the overall wellness of our employees and are committed to supporting a healthy, balanced lifestyle. We wanted to create an environment where wellness felt accessible and enjoyable, not overwhelming. Whether it was a quick health check, a workout session, or learning about better food choices, the event was about showing that small, intentional steps can make a big difference,” Maxwell said.

Adding a flavourful twist to this year’s event, DBJ introduced a new highlight — the Mini PAN Competition which brought an exciting, interactive culinary element. Five teams of DBJ employees went head to head in a friendly cook-off using CB Chicken, showcasing how nutritious food can also be fun, flavourful, and accessible.

Second-place winners (from left) Sharon Craig, Kidesha Blake, Nicola Russell, Tameisha Powell pose with MC Daniella McKenzie, and judges Chef Richard Pusey, and Chef Alex D’Great.

“At CB Foods we believe wellness extends beyond physical health; it includes the food we eat and the experiences we share,” said Samantha Fisher, assistant brand manager at CB Foods. “We supported this initiative because it offered a fun, interactive way to promote wellness, which aligns perfectly with our CB Chicken mantra: ‘Eat Better. Live Better’. Pan chicken, known for its wholesome, grilled preparation, was the perfect fit for this wellness-centred event. It was a great opportunity to show that healthy eating can be simple, flavourful, and full of vibes.”

The competition also served as a teaser, building anticipation for CB Foods’ upcoming PAN finals set for August 31, One PAN ah Knock!

Maxwell expressed how instrumental CB Foods’ involvement was to the overall success of the wellness fair.

“CB Foods played a major role in bringing this event to life. Their provision of CB Chicken, along with pans and aprons for the competition, were instrumental and deeply appreciated. They were also represented on our judging panel by Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd, whose humour and energy added great vibes to the competition. The winning team was especially thrilled to receive a case of CB Chicken as part of their prize,” Maxwell said.

Guest judges Chef Richard Pusey (left) and Chef Alex D’Great

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to wellness between the two organisations.

“We truly value the partnership we have with CB Foods. They stepped in with real enthusiasm and a spirit of support — not just as a sponsor, but as a wellness partner. It’s clear that they share our commitment to healthier living, and that kind of alignment makes a big difference,” Maxwell added.

The competition was made even more special by the involvement of broadcaster and comedian Dufton “Duffy” Shepherd, a familiar face for the pan chicken competition community as long-time host of the event. His signature energy and connection to the audience added excitement and authenticity to the event.

“Duffy’s personality, energy, and connection to the PAN experience are unmatched,” added Fisher. “Having him involved created a full-circle moment for us, tying this Mini PAN Competition directly back to our broader PAN story and the excitement building around this year’s finals.”

While this marked CB Foods’ first collaboration with DBJ, Fisher is optimistic about future opportunities to work together.