The rhythmic beat of drums, the flash of paddles slicing through the sea, and a celebration of culture, teamwork, and endurance will descend upon Port Royal as Jamaica hosts its first-ever Dragon Boat Festival from May 31 to June 1.
The historic maritime town will become the epicenter of a centuries-old Chinese tradition that has grown into a global sporting spectacle, one now set to add a new layer to Jamaica’s rich cultural and sporting landscape.
Organized by the Jamaica Dragon Boat Federation, the event marks the island’s official entry into a sporting and cultural movement already embraced by Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas, the two other Caribbean territories currently hosting similar events.
Dalton Yap, Chairman of the Jamaica Dragon Boat Festival Organizing Committee, pointed out that the festival in Jamaica is more than just a sport but more a symbol of unity, diversity, and sports tourism potential, powered by a shared vision of inclusivity, health, and heritage.
Dragon boating dates back over 2,000 years, originating in ancient China. Today, it has evolved into a dynamic team water sport practiced in over 70 countries, celebrated not just for its competitiveness but also for its cultural and community-building spirit.
"This Chinese culture is steeped in tradition, and dragon boating is a part of that history. The sport has spread from Asia to North and Central America and now to the Caribbean. We are the third country in the region to embrace it, and we’re proud that Jamaica can now be part of this global family,” Yap said during Tuesday's launch at the Chinese Benevolent Association on Old Hope Road.
Members of the University of the West Indies (UWI) team. (Photos: contributed)
According to Yap, the dream of staging a festival in Jamaica dates back to conversations in 2010, and after years of planning and alignment, the dream has finally come to life.
Spectators heading to Port Royal can expect a vibrant display of paddling prowess and cultural camaraderie. Eleven teams have registered, including groups from the University of the West Indies, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and the Chinese Benevolent Association.
"These teams come from all walks of life, and they’ve been practicing for weeks. When people arrive, they will see the dragon boats racing with full energy, paddlers moving in complete synchrony to the beat of a drum. Dragon boating is good for physical well-being and mental discipline. And more importantly, it teaches teamwork. Everyone in the boat must move as one. If you’re off rhythm, the whole team suffers," Yap stated.
He added that the event will also feature medals, time-based classifications, and a competitive final, giving teams an incentive to not just participate but to perform.
Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, who revealed her Chinese roots, also expressed excitement ahead of the event.
"It's quite fun, and it's very good for fitness and teamwork. And of course, teamwork is something very important to us in the JDF. I spoke last night to a bunch of young persons at the Rotary Club that were receiving recognition, and one of the things I spoke to them about is being able to lead. A leader must know the importance of teamwork, and that's absolutely essential in Dragon Boat Racing. I'm really excited that it has come to Jamaica," Wemyss-Gorman shared.
TEF Executive Director Carey Wallace (right) greets Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman as Dalton Yap looks on.
Carey Wallace, Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), sees even broader implications.
"I expect that maybe not this year, but in a few short years, there will be a lot of visitors coming out to take part in this event. I look forward to a carnival-like atmosphere where you will have everybody benefiting from the activity in some way. Trinidad and the Bahamas have a head start, but Jamaica has the potential to be number one in this space," Wallace opined.
Meanwhile, Alan Beckford, Chairman of the Sports Development Foundation, also voiced support on behalf of Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, recognizing the event’s potential to diversify Jamaica’s sporting portfolio.
"Dragon boating adds a new dimension to our sports offerings and complements our tourism goals. It’s a powerful combination of athleticism and culture," Beckford said.