Old Harbour News Expo branded ‘a success’

Plan B was activated 90 minutes ahead of the scheduled 10:00 am start with organisers shifting activities indoor at the Lions Civic Centre.

Once settled the energy inside went up a few levels, erasing any mood that previously threatened to dampen spirits.

Live streaming of the November 28 event by local company Mystic5 Multimedia Services did raise the level of excitement and value for exhibitors in particular.

Naturally the rain had a knock-on effect on the crowd turnout but some persons still brave the weather and showed up nonetheless.

This was a pleasant surprise for vendors, some traveling as far as from Kingston and Portmore for arguably the first expo of its kind and magnitude for Jamaica’s fastest growing community and debut for Old Harbour News, the premier local media here in the southwest of St Catherine.

For Tracey Ann Abbus of Dynamic Home and Tech Care the expo came at a most opportune time.

“We are a brand new company, just started a week ago. Thanks to Old Harbour News this is our launching pad,” said Abbus, principal director of the enterprise located along Market Street, Old Harbour.

An idea long in the making, the Old Harbour News Expo seeks to bring businesses and the community closer, a vast chasm that needed to be bridged, contends Andrew Hancel, founder and head of the organizing committee.

“Over the years I have noticed that rarely a day would go by and someone doesn’t reach out to me asking where to find what within Old Harbour. This includes natives as well. And so we decided as a team to explore the possibility of a business expo. We know that time was against us but we opted to give it a go nonetheless with a view to learn from the first experience irrespective of the outcome and build on it going forward. Our aim is to make it an annual event that businesses and the people within the community can look forward to every year,” he said.

All the signs are looking good for bigger and better things to come, Hancel noted, stating all exhibitors present and those that missed out, have expressed interest to be a part of next year’s showpiece.

“They now have the proof and can see the value of what this event will do to help grow their brand,” added the experience journalist and communication specialist.
Pauline Segree of Old MacDonald Farms agrees, adding they’ll be back next year.

“It’s a great venture. I really encourage them to continue. It’s good for the small business, especially those around the Old Harbour, Clarendon, and St Catherine area,” Segree, manager of customer care, said.

“Looking around today I see a lot of talents. Jamaica has a lot of talent. The craft work that we are seeing, everything is so beautiful. It’s really awesome for people to come out and really see what we have here at this expo is wonderful.”

Marcian Walters, CEO, Trinity Club, a wonderful bakery in Church Pen, had all her delicious pizzas sold within a couple hours while her other pastries were hot sellers throughout the day.

At the end of what every exhibitor says felt like a family reunion, though most were meeting each other for the first time, the Old Harbour News Expo was a success and is now a product the community and businesses await with bated breath when the next edition comes around.

President, South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce (formerly Old Harbour Chamber of Commerce) Treacha Reid, who declared the event officially open, lauded the organizer, before adding: for me just walking in here I was happy, and I said to myself yes, this is what I want to see happening for Old Harbour and the business owners because we all need to come together more.”

Editor’s Note: Special thanks to the following exhibitors and partners: Unique Bathroom Vanities and Accessories, Star Pay Day Loans, Old MacDonald Farms, Lucky Dollar, Combined Communications Ltd, Trinity Club, Dynamic Home Tech Care, Veekle, KSAT Group, The Ecclesia Family Ministries, Righteous Army Security, Mystic5 Multimedia Services, South St Catherine Chamber of Commerce.