Although many remained literally in the dark in southern St Elizabeth following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, the finals of the CB Pan Chicken Championships brought a surge of energy to the spirits of hundreds, who swelled Independence Park in the capital, Black River, on Sunday, August 27.
There was tasting, talent and terrific entertainment for all to enjoy, as families filed into the venue, free of charge, on-the-minute, to immerse themselves in fun, and free their minds from the frustrations of the past seven weeks of hurricane recovery.
By day, Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd ignited the crowd amid the intermittent showers, and by night, Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton kept the energy on a high, as both MCs engaged patrons in dance, games and lots of laughter, while also keeping them focused on family and wholesome values until the “Best Pan Chicken Woman” in all of Jamaica was crowned.
Below are a few highlights capturing the energy of PAN 2024.
Moved to tears by the announcement that she had emerged the CB Pan Chicken Champion for 2024, Totlyn McDonald (right foreground) of Leith Hall, St Thomas, embraced her sister and partner, Melissa McDonald, who tried to catch her breath after running to the stage to celebrate with her sibling.
The champion McDonald, who also took the top Grace-sponsored ‘Sauce Boss’ prize of $100,000, walked away with $1 million from CB Foods and a year’s supply of bread from the National Baking Company, along with a further $100,000 from JN Money.
Toasts of the afternoon, Samoyia Shakes and Albert Charles, paused for the camera after being singled out by host Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd. The couple, who were visiting from the Bahamas, were showered with gifts from sponsors CB Foods and JN Money for choosing to be at PAN 2024.
Following an afternoon of energetic vibes and entertainment, comedian Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd, who hosted the first half of Sunday’s PAN 2024, took it easy as Miss Kitty kept the vibe going. Here, he is seen taking a moment with Cedrica Reid, JN Money’s marketing and sales manager.
Kitty Ravers? The evening’s MC, Miss Kitty, showed she’s got the moves as dancer and deejay Ding Dong and his Ravers Clavers crew performed.
Gospel recording artiste, Rondell Positive, opened the evening’s concert with selections from his repertoire, including his electrifying single ‘Cover Me’ that charged up the crowd.
These children danced up a storm for prizes from CB Foods and JN Money.
Friends, Taniesha Pinnock and Rose Miller, both of Black River, flew their flags high as they enjoyed the fun and games captained by MC, Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd.
Who says no to more money? Totlyn McDonald (centre), CB Pan Chicken Champion for 2024, accepts a prize of $100,000 from JN Money. Handing over her symbolic cheque are JN Money’s Cedrica Reid (left), marketing and sales manager, and Sanya Wallace, Assistant General Manager. Ms McDonald, a Leith Hall, St Thomas native, received $1 million from CB Foods for taking the crown and a year’s supply of bread from the National Baking Company.
