Belly Business connects Jamaican community

The Westman Jamaican Community celebrated the 63rd anniversary of the nation’s independence with their annual Belly Business gathering at the Rideau Park on Saturday afternoon.

The event, which is a Jamaican-style potluck, drew members of the community together in a celebration of “heritage, food, and togetherness.”

Jamaica officially gained independence from Britain on Aug. 6, 1962, and while thousands back home celebrated with grand parades and concerts at the National Stadium, Brandon’s Jamaican community recreated their slice of home.

The goal is to keep the Jamaican traditions and food in Westman, group treasurer Rushana Davy told the Sun.

“We had our flag raising at city hall on the sixth, and today is about coming together as a family,” she said. “It’s our way of keeping traditions alive, even when we’re far from home.”

She explained the menu was a feast of Jamaican favourites, including jerk chicken paired with sweet fried dough known as “festival,” barbecue spare ribs, curried goat, rice and peas, sweet potato pudding, and the rich Jamaican fruit cake traditionally reserved for Christmas. For drinks, guests sipped on sorrel, a hibiscus-based beverage spiced the Jamaican way.

While the national dish of ackee and saltfish was missing this time, Davy said the flavours of the day were still a hit — especially the jerk chicken, a signature crowd-pleaser from past events.

The event is fondly dubbed Belly Business, a light-hearted reference to the shared love of food, a member Jordan Nunes told the Sun.

“It’s just an excuse for us to come together and eat,” Nunes said. “We’re family-oriented people, and food is a big part of how we connect.”

Attendance was smaller than usual due to the day’s unpredictable weather. The group, which numbers around 250 across Manitoba and surrounding areas, gathered under a gazebo instead of their usual spot near the playground. Still, the turnout reflected the community’s dedication to staying connected.

“We don’t want to be the kind of family that only sees each other twice a year,” Nunes said. “We want to make this more frequent, more structured, so we can continue supporting each other, especially newcomers to Brandon.”

The Westman Jamaican Community keeps in touch through a WhatsApp group, welcoming new arrivals and ensuring they find a sense of belonging. In addition to the independence potluck, the group hosts a Christmas gathering each November.

For Davy, Belly Business is about more than just good food — it’s about building a home away from home. “Back in Jamaica, Independence Day is all about music, dancing and celebration. Here, we recreate that spirit in our own way,” she said. “It’s togetherness. It’s family. And it’s something we look forward to every year.”

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