Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Portland:

Title sponsor of the Boston Jerk Festival, Pepsi-Cola, through its brand Tropics, gave a resounding endorsement to this year's staging of that culinary event during a media launch held at Bay View Eco Resorts on Friday.

Pepsi, which is making a grand return to arguable the most celebrated and recognised one-day local food festival of jerk comprising the Boston jerk pork, an international cuisine and a household name, renewed its commitment to that event slated for Sunday, March 31, at the Boston playfield in Portland.

"It's a pleasure to be back on board," said Wayne Lobban of Pepsi.

"It is our way of giving back to the people of Portland and Boston, who have supported us over the years. We are proud to be a part of this festival, and over the years the Boston Jerk Festival has been one of the most talked-about events. We look forward to a great day of festivity and good food."

Earlier, Camille Miller, marketing manager of the Boston Jerk Festival, promised a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment, which she claims will blend perfectly with a variety of jerked delicacies cooked in their traditional authentic sauce and spice.

Miller also thanked all the sponsors for coming on board and supporting what she believes will soon become the largest one-day food festival in the English-speaking Caribbean.

International Flavour

The event also received commendations from Member of Parliament for East Portland Linvale Bloomfield along with Mayor of Port Antonio Benny White, who both agreed that the Boston Jerk Festival will not only showcase the culinary skills of people of the parish, but will also attract people from overseas with its rich history and international flavour.

Chairman of the Boston Jerk Festival, Paul 'Bigga' Young, also thanked the sponsors and the political directorate for their support, while pledging to warm the hearts of patrons with quality entertainment and good food.

Veteran singer Tinga Stewart also provided a little taste of what is to be expected at the event by warming the hearts of the large gathering with one of his hit songs Inside My Heart.

I-Octane and Chuck Fender will headline the main entertainment package for that day, which will also include Jimmy Riley, Dadda, Hero, and Stewart.

In the meantime, the organisers have indicated that they are currently in dialogue with two international artistes, who, if secured, would add extra flair to the event.

Additional sponsors present were Rum-Bar Rum, Your Monie Mart, Krystal Nightclub, and Shines Wholesale.