New look for Border vendors

J. Wray & Nephew Ltd said it has provided $10 million to revitalise stalls at Border, the popular roadside eatery at Scotts Cove in St Elizabeth, following the destruction caused by Melissa in October last year.

Border vendor Derron “Andy” Ledgister, who has been selling at Scotts Cove since 1997, expressed joy at resuming his livelihood in improved conditions. “Mi feel good because everybody rebuild back everybody bounce back, place look good, place alright,” he said.

The food spot officially reopened on January 16, after support from the Government and corporate partners such as J. Wray & Nephew. Government assistance included the rebuilding of 44 shops destroyed during the Category 5 storm, along with new parking, ablution facilities and other amenities intended to revitalise the local economy and attract both residents and visitors.

“This development represents more than a facelift; it is an investment in tourism and the broader economy, fostering entrepreneurship, and expanding local livelihoods,” Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness said at the official reopening, noting that many families rely on small-scale enterprises to fund their children’s education and meet daily needs.

J. Wray & Nephew’s contribution has funded the rebranding of approximately 50 Border stalls, improving their appearance, functionality and commercial appeal. The Scotts Cove restoration forms part of the wider Campari Group response to Hurricane Melissa. The group committed $250 million to Jamaica’s recovery effort.

Reflecting on the storm’s impact, Ledgister recalled: “For my shop, after the hurricane, and I came out, it was just debris and just the spot where the shop was. Everything went. Then you know I start to think how to survive, so I start taking up what I could and using back what I could use and go for it. This was the first shop build after the hurricane.”

He added that he was the first to rebuild “because I’m the one who determined to start back business”.

Food safety, regulatory compliance and sustainable operations were central to the upgrade by J. Wray & Nephew, which partnered with agencies responsible for food-handling standards to ensure vendors now operate in cleaner, better-regulated spaces.

“Compliance matters. Good food practices, proper facilities, and strong branding all work together. When vendors look professional and feel supported, customers respond — and businesses grow,” said Samara South, public affairs and government relations manager at J. Wray & Nephew Ltd.

South emphasised the importance of community spaces such as Border and said the company’s role extends far beyond brand placement. “For over 200 years, J. Wray & Nephew has been part of Jamaica’s social fabric and entrepreneurial spirit. We haven’t just been making products, but we’ve been enablers of the Jamaican culture and builders of businesses,” she said.

She continued: “Wray & Nephew itself started out as a small bar in Kingston, and in relation to St Elizabeth, we have roots here through the Appleton Estate. We consider St Elizabeth, our home. Border represents so much for communities within the parish, so it is important that we give back to these communities, especially coming out of Hurricane Melissa, to help the businesses get back up and running.”

A native of St Elizabeth herself, South noted the resilience of residents. “Between hurricanes Beryl and Melissa, it hasn’t been easy. But as an entrepreneur you can’t stop, you must get up and do it. There are opportunities through corporate support and government assistance, but you must show that you are resilient and ready to take advantage of them,” she said.