BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer staff reporter livingstonc@jamaicaobserver.com
MONTEGO BAY, St James — For most people, Reggae Sumfest in Catherine Hall is a place to enjoy the best of local and international music. For mother of two Hermine Shaw, however, the event is an opportunity to supplement her income so she can better provide for her children.She has been a staple at the annual three-day festival since its inception in 1993, selling meals from a cook shop. It might not sound like much, but over the years, Shaw has turned over her profits and has managed to expand her business portfolio.“I invested my money in putting a taxi on the road. That way there would always be something coming in,” she said.She has since bought another taxi and her children have now “passed the worst”, but she has no intention of giving up her yearly three-day appointment at Catherine Hall.Speaking to the Jamaica Observer from her stall at the venue last weekend, she said Sumfest has been a blessing.“Every year I pray for them. I pray that they will return to stage the next festival,” she said.“Now that my children are past the worst, they constantly ask me if I would consider giving it up. They say that I work too hard,” said Shaw.But quitting is not an option, not just because of the earning potential, but also because she genuinely enjoys working.With a smile she says her children have now adopted an “if you can’t beat her, join her” attitude as they often assist her in the cook shop.Shaw’s daughter, Nadia Waite, is now a qualified teacher, having attended Montego Bay Teachers’ College. Her 21-year-old son Shamari Sterling, who intends to pursue a career in business, has received an acceptance letter from the University of the West Indies, Western campus.He was with his mother during the most recent staging of Sumfest and spoke with the Observer in-between attending to customers.“I feel proud of her,” he said of his mother. “She likes to help us. She earns her income to send us to school and that’s the main reason I come to help and give her my support.”Hailing from Kingston, Shaw moved to Montego Bay in 1970 where she operated a similar food stall at Reggae Sunsplash. She did it for 18 years, then joined the Sumfest team after its forerunner folded.Things along the way haven’t always been smooth, but Shaw gives thanks every day that she took the decision to invest in the stall when she did. She also praised the music festival’s organisers, who she said were accommodating.“It wasn’t always easy ’cause sometimes it was really rough, but I persisted,” she said of the “ups and downs” of competing with other vendors.A view of Shaw’s cookshop at Reggae Sumfest.Hermine Shaw takes a breather from selling.Hermine Shaw with her son Shamari (left) and grandson.View the original article here
Single mother ekes out living at Sumfest
