By Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
EXCEPT FOR the expletives uttered by international star Sean Paul, which has landed him in trouble with the law, Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2003, which concluded in Montego Bay earlier this week, has received high marks from patrons, sponsors and the organisers.
"The patrons were happy and so were the sponsors, so naturally, that makes us extremely happy," said businessman Robert Russell, the chairman of Summerfest Productions, the promoters of the annual music festival. "The returns are not yet in but we are confident that it will be a financial success."
Like the promoters, the stall owners, who provided a range of foods, beverages and reggae memorabilia to patrons; the hotel sector, inclusive of small hotels, guest houses and the private home, who provided accommodation for the 4,000 to 5,000 visitors; and the ground transport sector, all seem quite pleased with what they got out of the US$4-5 million dollars, which flowed into the nation's coffers as a result of the festival.
BUSINESS WAS QUITE GOOD
"I don't believe any stall owner can complain this year because business was quite good," said Byron Smith, one of the many satisfied stall owners. "While all the visitors spend well, I love the Japanese most of all because they are the ones who did the heavy spending."
However, because of the great difficulties that was experienced this year, in regards to securing accommodation, with most of the city's hotels booked out weeks in advance, the organisers are contemplating staging the festival earlier next year to avoid competing for hotel rooms with Jamaicans returning home for the local Independence celebrations.
"We have not yet decided on next year's date as we are seriously thinking of staging the event in mid-July when the demand for hotel rooms is not as great," said Johnny Gourzong, the executive director of Summerfest.
"However, what I can tell you is that there will be a festival next year as we already have the commitments of all our major sponsors."
Businessman Walt Crooks, who presented the 'Jamaica One Love Party', one of the Reggae Sumfest endorsed events, also deemed his event, which was staged prior to the three main nights at the Catherine Hall venue, a big success.
"The crowds came in and the vibe was very good," said Mr. Crooks, whose event took place at the Club Inferno Resort. "If we are able to duplicate this success each year, the 'Jamaica One Love Party' should become a stellar attraction in the Reggae Sumfest week."
With the quality support at the gate, the boost to the local economy, the quality of the entertainment and the general satisfaction of patrons, organisers and sponsors, there is absolutely no question that Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2003 delivered.
