By: Sugar Ray Thomas

The St. Ann Municipal Corporation is anticipating an uptick in tourism and commercial activities with the parish’s staging of Reggae Sumfest this year.

The international music show is usually held at Catherine Hall in St. James, but the venue was damaged during Hurricane Melissa last October.

The event will be held at Plantation Cove in Priory on July 18.

Speaking with Irie FM News today, Chairman of the corporation and Mayor of St. Ann’s Bay Michael Belnavis said he is excited to have the event hosted in the parish.

He noted that the festival and other events will give the parish a major economic boost.

Mayor Belnavis noted that the summer tends to be traditionally slow for the tourism sector, but the festival will attract more visitors to the island.

Mayor Belnavis is assuring that the police and the municipal corporation will work together to ensure traffic congestion is minimized.

He also gave the assurance that attendees will be safe at other events to be held in the parish.