Boston to be spruced up

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

BOSTON, Portland:

BOSTON JERK Centre, the home of jerk, could benefit from a well-needed facelift and branding through a joint initiative between Mayor of Port Antonio Benny White and the Portland Resort Board.

The centre, which is renown internationally for its authentic jerked pork, chicken, and sauce has been the flagship for Portland following the decline in tourism arrivals to the resort town of Port Antonio more than 15 years ago.

"Yes, the jerk stalls are in dire need of painting. This place has a rich history, and our cuisine is second to none," said Marlon Hunter, a jerk vendor at Boston. "But despite the international fame, the name Boston Jerk Centre has to be preserved, and we must remain relevant and be able to attract not just local jerk cravers, but also foreigners."

Boston jerk vendors offer a special service to the public, who are able to purchase jerked pork, jerked chicken, sausage, fish, and lobster, all cooked in traditional authentic sauces. In addition, other foods, including roasted breadfruit, festival, and roasted yam, are available as side orders.

President of the Portland Resort Board, Marcia Lawrence, has agreed that the location of the home of jerk needs some sprucing up, especially during this period when the country will be cele-brating its 50th anniversary of Independence.

White, who is also a lover of jerked meat, has already taken it upon himself to assist with the purchasing of paint for the beautification work - which will begin next week - for the more than 10 jerk stalls at Boston.