Kingston, Jamaica: – International dancehall icon Sean Paul is expressing his joy and gratitude as Border Food Village officially reopens for business. The reopening on January 16, marked a powerful moment of renewal for vendors and the wider South Coast community.
Situated at the border of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, in the small fishing village of Scotts Cove, the gastronomical gem is cherished by locals and visitors alike for its authentic Jamaican cuisine. Following coordinated recovery efforts after extensive damage caused by the passing of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, Border is a shining example of collaboration.
Sean Paul, whose foundation played a key role in supporting early recovery efforts, underscored the importance of preserving spaces that reflect Jamaica’s heritage.
“Border is just a legendary place,” Sean Paul said. “It reminds me of driving past places like Faith’s Pen on the way to the North Coast, or that roast yam spot on the highway near Mandeville — a place that you always have to stop at during your travels. And many of these families have been here for many years, for generations, serving the people, and can tell you the history of the cultural landmark. So, it was important to ensure that Border did not disappear.”
Targeted Recovery and Community Support
In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, Sean Paul Foundation partnered with stakeholders including Food for the Poor Jamaica and Chef Brian Lumley, to focus on recovery efforts on Border as a catalyst for broader community upliftment. Organic attention generated through social media posts shared by the artiste and his colleagues helped amplify the initiative. This attracted increased support and engagement from additional local and international partners such as the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and J. Wray & Nephew Limited.
“After the hurricane, I was just trying to help in any way I could, my brain was scattered,” Sean Paul explained. “I have to big up Chef Lumley, who helped focus that effort on Border because restoring the space was a good place to start and would uplift morale, support the economic recovery and help more than 300 families. I am happy to see a familiar place of business back up and running so quickly because looking at the devastation on the South Coast, there are so many that may not even be able to reopen.”
Support initiatives included the deployment of heavy equipment to clear the beach area behind the stalls, the provision of construction materials such as zinc, plywood, and solar lights to improve safety and security at night. This work restored access for fishing boats, enabling the fisherman community to resume operations and re-establish their livelihoods.
Preserving culture through food
Border is widely regarded as a living expression of Jamaica’s roadside food culture, offering traditional dishes such escovitch fish, lobster, soup, bammy, and festival — prepared and served by generations of local vendors. Sean Paul noted that these spaces play a vital role in maintaining cultural identity and community continuity.
“When you support Border, you’re supporting families, tradition, and the real Jamaican experience. Places like Border serve great purpose — Jamaican street food vendors, they’re the kind of authenticity that helps to preserve the culture. Plus it’s fresh food, good food at that. Fast food comes at a dime a dozen but these places need to be upheld. Street food vendors are part of who we are as Jamaicans, and they help keep Jamaica’s wheels turning,” he said.
Sean Paul added: “It’s unfortunate what has happened to Faith’s Pen; as a child I loved stopping to get a “mean” ackee and saltfish or even a corn… was a vibe. Same for the pan chicken vendors. Everytime we come through the Border, we try fi stop and get some escovitch and steam bammy, and me haffi big up the french fry lobster… a di baddest ting, and big up soupie and everybody doing them thing there. You know it’s just the love that Jamaican people put into their cooking that makes it feel like home.”
The reopening of Border stands as a testament to the effective collaboration between community members, private partners, and local government, reinforcing a shared commitment to rebuilding stronger, protecting heritage, and sustaining livelihoods for generations to come.
For more information, contact Carlette DeLeon at 876-393-9768 or email spfoundation@allseanpaul.com.
