Mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Leeroy Williams got the full endorsement of the St James Municipal Corporation in the designation of Montego Bay as “Sumfest City” for the month of July 2023.

Speaking at the regular monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation, which was attended by chairman and chief executive officer of DownSound Entertainment Joe Bogdanovich and deputy chairman of Reggae Sumfest Robert Russell, Mayor Williams stated that the designation is a win-win as both the city and Reggae Sumfest share a bond which dates back 30 years.

“I just want to tell you all a big thank you for your continued support as we build the greatest reggae festival on Earth. Reggae Sumfest is celebrating a number of firsts in its 30th year of production. This is the first time in history that Montego Bay is being declared as Sumfest City for the month of July, it is the first time that Caribbean Airlines is implementing what I consider the Sumfest Express from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to Montego Bay and for the first time sponsors are not asking who is on the festival. This year it’s going to be bigger than ever, and the celebration of family and unity is the core,” said Bogdanovich.

Deputy Chairman Robert Russell added his thanks to the corporation for the support received. He said “Reggae Sumfest is expected to bring real wealth to citizens; from five-star resorts to Airbnbs, restaurants, nightclubs, the peanut vendor, jerk vendor and craft vendors, it embraces macro and micro sectors. We expect between 10,000 to 12,000 overseas visitors during the Sumfest festival week, with an estimated spend of US$1,500 each, which translates into earnings of some $2.7 billion.”

Others joined in endorsing the designation.

Government senator, councillor for the Montego Bay North East Division, and former Mayor of Montego Bay Charles Sinclair said Reggae Sumfest brings wealth to thousands of Jamaicans in all sectors of society, especially in the parishes of Hanover, St James, and Trelawny.

He commended the organisers of Reggae Sumfest: “To hold such a festival for 30 years is something that must be applauded. Over the years that this festival has existed the directors of Reggae Sumfest have always engaged the municipal corporation to find out the requirements under the various regulations. And they are fully compliant. This indicates tremendous responsibility and respect.”.

Dwight Crawford, councillor for the Spring Garden Division in which the Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre is located — the home of Reggae Sumfest — also hailed the designation of Montego Bay as Sumfest City for July.