New date, format for Treasure Beach Festival

Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival has announced a reimagined format for this year’s event. It will now take place as a one-day benefit concert on Sunday, December 7, at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, 36 Hope Road, St Andrew. The change follows the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on the festival’s usual venue. Part of the proceeds will support Jamaica’s agriculture sector recovery efforts. Scheduled from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., the event will bring to the city an experience that remains true to the festival’s cultural roots, complete with culinary favourites, artisanal showcases, and performances by Agent Sasco, Capleton and Chris Martin.

The concert has also received official endorsement from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, recognising its role as both a cultural celebration and a national recovery effort.

Festival Director Jason Henzell shared, “The Treasure Beach Food, Rum and Reggae Festival has always been rooted in community, culture, and contribution. After witnessing first-hand the devastation, particularly across the agricultural belt, following Hurricane Melissa, we knew we had to reimagine this year’s staging in a way that would deliver meaningful support. This benefit concert allows us to keep the spirit of the festival alive while standing firmly behind our farmers and fishers who are the backbone of so many of our communities.”

This updated format will still feature the well-loved artisan village, with more than 15 local artisans representing five creative categories, including several businesses from parishes heavily impacted by the hurricane. The food village returns with over 10 food vendors, also featuring vendors from affected communities, while Worthy Park and Castleblack Rums will maintain a strong presence through various rum activations throughout the venue.

Organisers are also exploring the addition of a dedicated farmer’s market, which would give farmers from hard-hit areas the opportunity to earn directly, reconnect with buyers, and take meaningful steps toward rebuilding their businesses.

Floyd Green, minister of agriculture, fisheries and mining and member of parliament for south west St Elizabeth, welcomed the initiative, stating, “Our agriculture sector suffered significant losses during Hurricane Melissa, and many farmers are still struggling to recover. This benefit concert is a powerful example of how culture can mobilise support and bring real relief to the people who feed our nation. I commend the organisers for transforming the festival into a force for recovery, unity, and hope.”

Henzell added, “We are inviting everyone, supporters at home and abroad, to come out, enjoy the culture, and be part of something that will make a real difference. Together, we can help our farmers get back on their feet and continue the work of rebuilding stronger.”

entertainment@gleanerjm.com