The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival (JFDF), which was scheduled for November 13–16, has been postponed in the aftermath of Hurricane Melisa and the trail of devastation the storm left in sections of the island.

Set to showcase culinary innovations under the ‘Jamaican Food Reimagined,’ the festival would have celebrated its 11th anniversary with this year’s staging. However, following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa, organisers believe rebuilding efforts now take precedence.

“We find ourselves in an unprecedented moment. A natural disaster has shaken our beloved island, and we’re pressing pause on this year’s Jamaica Food and Drink Festival to focus on recovery and rebuilding,” the JFDF team shared via their social media pages on Wednesday. “We’ll return when the time is right — stronger, together, and ready to celebrate Jamaica again.”

Organisers also shared that for persons who had already purchased tickets, new dates will be announced momentarily, and at that time, ticket holders can choose to either attend or receive credit for future use.

The JFDF team went on to express that as the country shifts its focus to relief efforts to support those most affected, they will be doing their part. A disaster relief drive has been set up to aid persons in the parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

Persons who wish to donate can drop off items at the Jamaica Food and Drink Kitchen at Shop #9 at the Progressive Shopping Centre on Barbican Road in Kingston.