State Minister Says Major Entertainment Events Help to Drive Economic Growth

State Minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright, says major entertainment events, such as Dream Weekend, are playing an increasingly important role in driving economic growth by creating opportunities for businesses, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). 

Welcoming the staging of the 17th edition of the festival in Montego Bay, the State Minister said the event has grown into one of Jamaica’s premier entertainment attractions, while generating significant business for hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, event suppliers, vendors and hundreds of MSMEs across multiple sectors. 

“Dream Weekend demonstrates the important contribution that major entertainment events make to economic activity by supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and generating increased commercial activity across multiple sectors,” Mr. Seiveright said in an interview with JIS News. 

“I am particularly pleased to see the deliberate incorporation of micro and small businesses into the Dream Weekend ecosystem. Providing opportunities for Jamaican entrepreneurs to participate, earn and grow is exactly the type of inclusive economic development we want to encourage,” he added.  

Mr. Seiveright noted that this year’s staging, scheduled for July 30 to August 3 in Montego Bay, comes at a significant time as western Jamaica continues its recovery and enters a new phase of investment and commercial expansion following Hurricane Melissa. buted

He pointed to several transformational public infrastructure projects that are reshaping the region, including the continued expansion of Sangster International Airport, the completion of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road, the ongoing construction of the Long Hill Bypass and the planned Hopewell-Sandy Bay-Lucea Bypass, all of which are expected to improve connectivity and support economic growth. 

The State Minister also highlighted significant private-sector investments across western Jamaica, including the development of UNICO Resort, Hard Rock Café, Moon Palace The Grand, and several other major hotel projects, alongside extensive renovation and rebuilding works valued at hundreds of millions of United States dollars. 

He further cited the completion of a 120,000 square-foot commercial bakery, the construction of a new PriceSmart warehouse club and the continued growth of restaurants, cafés, retail establishments and other small businesses throughout the region. 

“These investments reflect growing confidence in western Jamaica as a place to do business. Together with events like Dream Weekend, they are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthening commercial activity and supporting sustained economic growth,” Mr. Seiveright said. 

He commended the organisers for introducing a coordinated shuttle system involving hundreds of licensed transportation operators, describing the initiative as an example of effective collaboration between event promoters and local businesses while enhancing the visitor experience. 

Additionally, he congratulated the organisers on reaching another milestone, noting that the festival has successfully evolved over 16 years from a popular entertainment event in Negril into one of the Caribbean’s largest music and lifestyle festivals. 

He wished organisers, patrons, visitors and residents a safe and successful staging. 

Now in its 17th year, Dream Weekend will be held in Montego Bay for the first time after 16 successful years in Negril. The festival will feature eight events over five days and is expected to generate significant economic activity throughout western Jamaica.

Source: JIS