(Palmetto Point, Eleuthera) – Palmetto Point added another exciting community event to The Eleuthera calendar, with the 1st Annual Passing Jack Festival held on Friday, July 22nd and Saturday, July 23rd at the South Palmetto Point beach site.  The ‘Passing Jack Festival Committee’ was recently formed by a group of residents who were concerned about the elderly and disabled people in their community who need assistance in caring for themselves. 

 The main goal of the Committee, said Chairman, Mr. Addison Cooper, is to raise funds to assist these people in the form of financial aid, providing meals, home care, medical aid and whatever else is needed.  “The idea of forming the Committee was introduced because of Mrs. Sylvia Sands, who recently passed away at the age of 90 years, who had been living alone and was being cared for by some concerned residents of Palmetto Point – mainly members of Wesley Methodist Church, where Mrs. Sands was a member”, explained Mr. Cooper.  Spearheaded by Mr. Albert and Mrs. Alexandria Archer, was the arrangement of a home caregiver, who was being paid for by individuals in the community who wanted to assist Mrs. Sands, he said.

 “The Committee, a non­profit organization comprised of volunteers, recognized that there are other elderly and disabled persons living in Palmetto Point who may need assistance”, shared Mr. Cooper, “So it was agreed that the funds raised would be for any elderly or disabled person residing in Palmetto Point.”

 The name of the new Festival, came from the scheduling of the event, which was held during the time when the Jack Fish is usually hauled by local fishermen.  According to the Committee, it was felt that this would assist them with selling their fish when they were brought to the dock during the Festival.  Jack Fish was the main dish during the event and it was prepared in several ways for the enjoyment of patrons.

 Activities scheduled during the Festival included:  Competition between fishermen for the most fish hauled, the sale of down­home foods which featured a variety of ways to prepare fish, Coconut water & water melon stalls, Hoopla, Punch board and novelties, Games for the children including a bouncing castle, and Live band entertainment.  All were invited to come out and enjoy the festivities in support of this cause, and direct donations can still be made to CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, Account# 201680964.

 “The response to the idea of the Festival has been overwhelming, and the support was greater than expected,” said Mr. Cooper and added that they would like to make the Festival an annual event.