Kingston's Waterfront Bar Ribbiz Ocean celebrated powerful Comeback post-hurricane damage with spectacular event, Supported by Wray & Nephew
L-R: Stone Love's founder Winston ‘Wee Pow’ Powell with Ribbiz Director Brian ‘Ribbie’ Chung
Following Hurricane Beryl in July, which caused extensive damage and halted operations, affecting the livelihood of its 30 staff members, Ribbiz Ocean, Kingston's first waterfront bar and lounge, celebrated its official reopening on Friday, July 26, 2024, with a spectacular "Reopening Roadblock Party" at its Downtown waterfront. This event stands as a powerful testament to resilience and community spirit.
"Ribbiz Ocean Lounge as you know, is located right on the harbour. When Beryl struck the sea levels rose and waters flooded the space hitting out all the glasses, soaking most of the dry walls and causing extensive damage to the bar area, tables and other furniture," shared Brian ‘Ribbie’ Chung, director of the Ribbiz Ocean Lounge and Ribbiz Ultra Lounge.
He continued, "This downtown area has a great food audience, so we knew we had to work quickly to get things up and running after we got the necessary approvals from our insurance company. I’m thankful to our team and sponsor J. Wray & Nephew Limited who were tremendous throughout the process. Wray and Nephew has been a great business partner with Ribbiz for over 13 years. Their generous support has played an instrumental role in our rebuilding efforts. Their kindness exemplifies the impact of strong community and corporate partnerships in times of need."
The ladies enjoyed the event with their 'Wray & Nephew' branded cups
In a heartfelt gesture, the proceeds from the event were dedicated to the over 30 staff members of Ribbiz Ocean, many of whom faced significant personal and financial challenges due to the hurricane's impact.
"Our team here at Ribbiz are truly the backbone of the business. We are conscious of the effects income loss has on their families and so to make sure they are okay we gave each staff member food vouchers valued at $20,000, managers received vouchers valued at $30,000 in addition to a donation of all proceeds from our ‘Reopening Roadblock Party’ sponsored by Wray and Nephew’s White Rum. They were so happy," Ribbie stated.
Hailed as ‘champions’ for many communities across Jamaica, Wray & Nephew has always been committed to strengthening partnerships with local bars, restaurateurs, and community-based retailers. For Wray & Nephew, the "Reopening Roadblock Party" was more than just a celebration of Ribbiz Ocean's reopening; it was a symbol of hope and renewal. In true Wray Rum style, the event featured expert DJing from Stone Love Sound, appearances by party-goers, celebrities, well-wishers, and of course, plenty of Wray Rum.
Ribbiz Directors Remy Bryan; Don Creary and Brian ‘Ribbie’ Chung (R) Sharing the happy moment with Chevanne Lawrence (second right), and marketing manager at J. Wray and Nephew Ltd, Ayesha Creary
"J. Wray & Nephew has been in partnership with Ribbiz for over 13 years, Ribbie has been a loyal customer to us that we have always supported, so it was a no brainer for us to extend a helping hand to support repairs to the Ribbiz Ocean following the passing of Hurricane Beryl. We were touched by Ribbie’s insistence on also helping his staff through this difficulty. Together we came up with the ‘street dance’ party, to celebrate the success of our efforts," explained Chevanne Lawrence, channel and customer marketing manager at J. Wray and Nephew Ltd.
The re-opening of Ribbiz Ocean signifies a new chapter for the establishment. With a refreshed space and renewed energy, the venue is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of Kingston's nightlife and social scene.
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