Jamaican music history will be rewritten when Earthbound Jamaica, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) and The Wright Image team combine to present 'Green 4 Life Eco-Music Festival'.
The festival, the first of its kind in the Caribbean region, takes place on July 2 at Rivfalls in Maggotty, St Elizabeth, Jamaica's Breadbasket Parish.
Yolande Rattray-Wright, conceptualiser of the event and managing director of The Wright Agency, told The Gleaner that "First of all, one of the requirements (of an eco-friendly event) is that it has to be around natural nature, no pollution, and clean water. The venue has to be overall eco-friendly.
"It makes Jamaica the trailblazer of the Caribbean again," she said.
Green 4 Life will have a food court named 'Sylvia's Kitchen', where no styrofoam boxes will be allowed. Instead, biodegradable boxes and containers will be used. There will also be a compost pit where the food used will go back into the ground. Separate bins will also be on hand to introduce people to recycling. The use of natural light and solar lighting are also part of the eco-friendly thrust.
One hundred per cent natural water from a spring on the property's grounds rounds off the eco-friendly components of the festival. "The water has been tested by Appleton and has been passed as safe for drinking," Rattray-Wright shared.
There are also natural waterfalls on the property.
When asked why she decided to go 'green' Rattray-Wright simply replied "why not?" She went on to say that this kind of event is needed in Jamaica. She also noted that with high health food prices one should be more aware of being eco-friendly, so she aims to inform and educate people. As she puts it, it is "learning in a friendly environment".
Rattray-Wright said that she believes the event will be well received by the public, as so far the responses to the organisers' email and website have been very good. She said persons have been commenting on the family orientation of the event and also praising the eco-friendly value that it brings. "I'm feeling pretty good about the feedback and encouragement that I've been receiving," Rattray-Wright said.
She added that they have been planning the event from January, so issues such as parking and security arrangements are all in place.
The event will also highlight Jamaican products, healthy eating habits, natural medicines and Jamaican fashion. A grand Farmers' Market will also be organised to assist local area farmers to sell their produce.
Green 4 Life also boasts an impressive entertainment package with Stevie Face, Jack Radics, Lady G, Professor Nuts, Admiral Tibet, Lovindeer, The Jays and G-Whizz all set to take the stage.
A host of selectors will also be included in the entertainment package for Green 4 Life and they will be playing roots reggae all day.
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