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Mocho, Clarendon. June 5, 2026. Residents and diaspora Mochonians are in full preparation mode the first Pear Festival scheduled for August 8, 2026 in the community. The Planning Committee, community members and representatives from partner organisation, the Social Development Commission (SDC) met recently to mobilise around preparing value added pear dishes and working with farmers to showcase the pear varieties that the rural community is known for. “We have the best pears in Jamaica and we want to invite Jamaicans here and overseas to come and experience that,” said Lawrence Weathers, a founding member of the Mocho Homecoming Limited (MHL) which is spearheading the event. This much-anticipated event, which will be launched on June 11, will highlight the economic potential of avocado to the nation’s economy, while celebrating the resilience, talent, and creativity of the Mocho community. The launch, slated for The Verandah, Juici Empowerment Park, Clarendon, under the distinguished patronage of Custos of Clarendon, Ms Edith Chin will engage sponsors, media partners, and community leaders to build momentum for the 2026 celebration. The Festival will feature a series of vibrant community activities including:  A Church Service on August 2, 2026 at Brixton Hill United Church  Night Football Competitions at Mount Airy and Mocho Community Centres on August 2 and 9 respectively  Health Fair at Ashley Primary School on August 5, 2026  Flagship Event: The Mocho Pear Festival at Lennon High School on August 8, 2026 The Pear Festival will highlight Mocho’s signature produce through a creative culinary showcase featuring local chefs and culinary students. Visitors can expect food demonstrations, avocado in cosmetics and hair care, family entertainment, live performances, and exhibitions that blend Mocho’s heritage with modern innovation. Engaging presentations on how to leverage ‘the green gold’ of avocado will also be facilitated. Sponsors include AVOSAC Jamaica Limited, THLC Company Limited, Chrismixradio.com, Stanmark Processors Company Limited, Kurbiton Limited, SB Metals, Central Expressions, Golf View Hotel, CHANGE Communications Limited, Creation Foods, Island Chile, Azerol, Omega Radio and Demoyah’s Delight. According to Mocho Homecoming Limited, the event aims to engage more than 2,000 community members and reach over 100,000 people locally and internationally through its media and marketing campaign. “This Homecoming is more than an event — it’s a movement,” said Weathers, said. “It’s about reconnecting with our roots, celebrating who we are, and inspiring the next generation to carry the Mocho spirit forward.” For more information contact: Indi Mclymont-Lafayette. Email: indidlk@yahoo.com

Kingston, Jamaica — The Greater August Town Film Festival (GATFFEST) celebrates its 14th anniversary with an expanded programme of screenings, workshops, and special events, reinforcing its position as one of Jamaica’s leading platforms for emerging filmmakers, cultural exchange, and the showcasing of Jamaican, Caribbean, and international cinema. The Caribbean’s premier short film festival officially kicks off with a Community Film Night in Port Royal on May 16, followed by a full week of activities from May 30 to June 7. Since its inception, GATFFEST has served as an important incubator for local and regional talent. “Reaching fourteen years is a significant milestone for GATFFEST, particularly within an industry where independent creative platforms often face considerable challenges in sustaining long-term growth. This anniversary is not simply about looking back; it is about recognising the impact the festival has had in creating access, nurturing talent, and helping to shape Jamaica’s independent film ecosystem,” said Festival Director Savannah Peridot. A centrepiece of the anniversary celebrations will be GATFFEST Rewind, a special retrospective event on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the UWI Mona Confucius Centre, featuring more than 30 standout films from the festival’s archives. The showcase offers audiences a rare opportunity to revisit some of the most compelling stories and cinematic voices that have emerged through the GATFFEST platform over the years. The retrospective will include works by celebrated Jamaican filmmakers including Kevin Jackson, Kia Moses, Tony Hendriks, Nadean Rawlins, Gareth Cobran, Joshua Paul, Kyle Chin, Kaiel Eytle, Kurt Wright, among others whose films have helped define the festival’s creative journey. “GATFFEST Rewind is a celebration of the creative voices that have grown with this festival. Many of the filmmakers featured have gone on to build meaningful careers, and their journeys reflect exactly why platforms like this matter. We want audiences to see not only the films themselves, but the evolution of Caribbean storytelling, the risks our filmmakers have taken, and the cultural narratives that deserve continued visibility,” she said. Peridot also emphasised the festival’s broader international dimension, noting that this year’s programme will continue to include collaborations with diplomatic and academic partners, including the French, Colombian, and German Embassies, as well as CARIMAC. These partnerships will support a diverse programme of showcases highlighting Jamaican, Caribbean, and international cinema.“Film has a unique ability to connect communities, cultures, and perspectives. This year’s programme reflects that spirit of exchange bringing together local stories and global voices in a way that strengthens dialogue, creative collaboration, and audience engagement. GATFFEST has always been rooted in community, but it has also consistently looked outward, creating opportunities for cultural connection through cinema,” said Peridot. The 2026 festival will feature both free and paid events including community film screenings, professional development opportunities, curated local and international film nights, and a closing awards ceremony recognising excellence in filmmaking. Admission to GATFFEST Rewind is JMD $5,000, with tickets available via Cariflow.com or at the gate. GATFFEST DATES AND EVENTS Saturday, May 16, 2026 – Community Film Night – Port Royal, Port Royal Primary 7pm, in collaboration with Embassy of Colombia Saturday, May 30, 2026 – GATFFEST Rewind – UWI, Mona, Confucius Centre, 2 pm to 10 pm Sunday, May 31, 2026 – Workshop – UWI, Mona Centre for Community Outreach and Development, 2 pm – 4pm Monday, June 1, 2026 – Colombian Film Night – Palace Cineplex Tuesday, June 2, 2026 – France – Utech – 7pm Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Germany – German Embassy – 7pm Thursday, June 4, 2026 – CARIMAC Film Night – Palace Cineplex 5pm Friday, June 5, 2026 – International Film Night – Palace Cineplex, 5pm, 8pm Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Jamaica Night – Palace Cineplex – 5 pm, 8pm Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Closing Night/ Awards Ceremony – Confucius Centre For the full festival programme, screening details, and updates, visit www.gatffest.com