Treasure Beach Festival: A Celebration of Resilience and Culture
Agent Sasco brought the house down with a brief yet electrifying performance at the official media launch of the Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival. Held at Itopia on West King’s House Road, the event set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Jamaican culture.
Just over a year after Hurricane Beryl caused significant damage to Jamaica’s south coast, the parish of St. Elizabeth is gearing up for the festival’s second staging. Festival Co-director Jason Henzell passionately addressed the audience, highlighting the community’s resilience. “In 2023, we had a fantastic festival, and the plan was to make it an annual event. But we all know what happened in 2024 with Hurricane Beryl. We had to do a lot of work to rebuild,” he shared. Henzell emphasized the collective effort that has brought the parish back to life, paying tribute to local farmers and fisherfolk who have worked tirelessly to restore their livelihoods.
Scheduled for November 7-9, the festival will feature a mouth-watering array of food and rum, alongside performances from reggae stars like Chris Martin and Capleton. Attendees can expect a vibrant farmer’s market filled with fresh produce and an artisan village showcasing local crafts. Guided tours of iconic attractions such as Lover’s Leap and Pelican Bar will also be available, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the south coast.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining, Floyd Green, expressed his excitement about the festival’s potential to boost the local economy. “The best thing about Treasure Beach is the people. Festivals like this have a net positive effect on our communities,” he stated. Green highlighted the importance of community-style tourism, where visitors engage with local businesses rather than opting for all-inclusive resorts. “When you come, you’re going to support the local community, and that’s why we love festivals of this nature,” he added.
Minister of Entertainment and Culture, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, also attended the launch, urging festival organizers to ensure her room is booked. She praised the hard work that went into reviving the festival after the hurricane. “There are more reggae festivals in the world than we have in Jamaica, but we must promote what we have created,” Grange said, underscoring the festival’s role in showcasing Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage.
This year’s festival introduces a new breakfast party on Saturday, November 8, at Jack Sprat, blending Reggae with EDM. Featuring DJs Kamal Bankay and DJ Pietro, this event promises to add a unique twist to the weekend’s festivities.
The launch event featured a lively performance from Agent Sasco, alongside the up-and-coming reggae band Mesh Merina, setting the tone for the excitement to come.
As the festival approaches, the community of Treasure Beach stands united, ready to welcome visitors with open arms. With its rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant entertainment, the Treasure Beach Food, Rum, and Reggae Festival is not just an event; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the spirit of Jamaica. Will you be part of this unforgettable experience?