Melissa forces postponement of Treasure Beach fest

Organisers of the Treasure Beach Food, Rum & Reggae Festival have announced that this year's event will be postponed, shifting their focus to the urgent needs of the community in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

"Our hearts are with all the families, farmers, business owners and communities who are currently navigating loss, displacement, and the urgent work of rebuilding," said festival directors Jason Henzell and Gregory Wright.

The hurricane left a trail of destruction across Treasure Beach and surrounding areas, destroying homes, businesses, and vital community infrastructure. Western parishes, including St Elizabeth, the home of the event, bore the brunt of the storm's assault.

"To St Elizabeth, our hearts are with you during this unimaginably difficult period. At this time, the priority is the people - our people," Henzell and Wright said.

Given the situation, they said the 2025 staging of the Food, Rum & Reggae Festival will not proceed in its current form.

"We are committed to supporting recovery efforts, repairing, rebuilding and standing with the parish we call home," the said.

The organisers are collaborating closely with the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation, local authorities, and community groups to assess needs and coordinate assistance for affected residents. Efforts will include fundraising, volunteer coordination, and the restoration of key community spaces that have been affected.

"We ask everyone -- locals, diaspora, supporters, friends near and far -- to keep St Elizabeth and Jamaica in your hearts and to support however you are able," Henzell and Wright said.

"Whether through donations or volunteering, your support matters. Treasure Beach has always been a place of spirit, unity, and love. Together we will rebuild stronger, with purpose and with each other," they added.