Duffy energised to bring the vibes at PAN Finals

Broadcaster, comedian, and event host Dufton 'Duffy' Shepherd promises to excite patrons at the PAN 2025 Grand Finals this Sunday at Jamaica College in St Andrew.

Sharing the stage with long-standing host Miss Kitty, Duffy will guide patrons through a day filled with unforgettable food, family fun, and fiery competition. But Duffy's connection to PAN runs deep.

"I actually started off as a fill-in host at one of the PAN regional events in Portmore. They needed someone to cover the early segment, and I stepped in. Later, I also hosted the Montego Bay leg. The CEO of CB Group at the time said to me, 'See you at the finals', and that's how I ended up hosting PAN Finals at the Waterfront downtown alongside Miss Kitty and Jenny Jenny. That moment made me feel really proud, like I had truly become welcomed into CB Foods' family," Duffy recalled.

With a solid career in radio (presenter of Full House Fridays on Fame FM) and co-host of Daytime Live on TVJ, Duffy says PAN offers something unique.

"The unpredictability and the people, those are what I enjoy the most about PAN. PAN is about interaction, and that is so amazing for me. As a host, [it is] the unpredictability of what will happen. I've seen tears of joy and the kindness of the human spirit. It is heartwarming, exciting, and very family-oriented. I also look forward to seeing who emerges as winners," Duffy shared.

A graduate of the University of Technology, Jamaica and past student of Wolmer's Trust High School for Boys and Excelsior Community College, Duffy's path into media began through stand-up comedy. From RE-TV to TVJ, he has grown into one of Jamaica's most recognisable hosts.

Nicole Hall, senior manager, commercial marketing at CB Foods, said that "Duffy is truly part of the CB Group family".

"From hosting the Nutramix Double Six Dominoes Tournaments to CB Group Family Fun Days and now many years of CB Foods PAN, he has helped us connect with Jamaicans in a real and meaningful way. His energy reflects what PAN is all about, celebrating talent, community, and the joy of good food," she said.

And what can patrons expect from him at PAN 2025 Grand Finals?

"We've got an exciting programme lined up, and trust me, the vibes will be on another level. DJ Powa and I always bring a different kind of energy, fun, interactive, and full of surprises. That's the magic of PAN, you never quite know what will happen, but you know it's going to be unforgettable. I make sure to rest up the night before because PAN is high-energy from start to finish, and the crowd deserves nothing less," Duffy said.