... Marlin tournament celebrating 55 years

THE PORTLAND Marlin Tournament is in its 55th year and will, for the 34th year, begin with a tournament to include local fishers on Saturday, October 13.

Rochester noted that the canoe competition for local fishers, which started small, has grown to include as many as 50 canoes in the tournament, annually. The official tournament for anglers will commence on National Heroes Day, October 15. The marlin caught by the anglers and fishers are tagged and released.

For a third year, JN Bank is the prime sponsor of the tournament. Other sponsors include: KFC, Guardian Life, Toyota Jamaica, the Best Dressed Chicken, Rum-Bar Rum, the Sports Development Foundation and Sterling Asset Management.

Speaking at the launch, Steve Distant, chief of retail sales at JN Bank, praised the Sir Henry Morgan Anglers’ Association for sustaining the sport, which he said can strengthen Brand Jamaica.

“It certainly is an area for further expansion, as we adopt new concepts for sustainable tourism development; and create an even more nuanced tourism product that is both unique and versatile,” he commented.

He said the marlin tournament, while providing great competition for anglers, is also capable of generating millions of dollars for hotels, restaurants and other businesses in Port Antonio.