Memorable Taste of Manchester despite low turnout

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

MANDEVILLE, Manchester:

LAST SATURDAY saw the third staging of the annual event dubbed Taste of Manchester at Brooks Park, Mandeville.

The event, put on by the Brooks Park Development Committee, although not attracting a large crowd, nonetheless was a memorable one.

It provided some of the best food, music, and other aspects of cultural output that the parish of Manchester had to offer.

Supporting the event were some of the elite of the parish including acting Custos of Manchester, Calvin Lyn; Mayor of Mandeville, Councillor Brenda Ramsey; People's National Party Member of Parliament for Central Manchester, Peter Bunting; newly appointed Jamaica Labour Party caretaker for Central Manchester, Danville Walker; and president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Wendy Freckleton,

The event was aimed at raising funds to complete the Brooks Park Clubhouse. As chairman of the Brooks Park Development Committee, Dr Clifton Reid explained, "We didn't get the support we expected in accomplishing our objectives, but we are heartened by those who gave us their time and effort."

The plan for the clubhouse, as disclosed by Reid, is to have a tourist-information and rest-stop post, as well as a life skills centre for less fortunate children. There will be an evening of live music, among other uses. The general plan for Brooks Park is a recreational facility with multi-purpose sporting facilities and a kiddies' play area.

Jackie Minott of Jamaica Standard Product, whose High Mountain Coffee was on display at the event, donated a 40-foot container to assist with the completion of the clubhouse.

The committee recognised musicians from the parish, including Byron Lee, who was born in Christiana, Luciano Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel, General Degree, Anthony Cruz, Biggaton, and Uton Green, among others.

Tony Rebel was the patron of this year's staging. He was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Jamaica through his music.

Patrons on hand were entertained by a lively performance by the young Rockers band, along with Anthony Cruz, who performed a strong set, as well as the very talented and upcoming artiste Leetal.

The children enjoyed the many rides, including the Ferris wheel, bounceabout, slides, and swings. They also got a chance to make good use of their favourite treats such as popcorn, cotton candy, and snow cones.

There was a farmers' market, which had some of the best food that the parish had to offer including yams, Irish potato, various vegetables, banana, and much more.

Singer, a sponsor of the event, had a lovely display, so, too, the 4-H Clubs and the communities of Cross Keys, Porus, Asia, and Christiana.

rural@gleanerjm.com