Community Events: Jamaican Grill to host 9/11 luncheon for first responders; GVB announces dance fest

Restaurant hosts event to remember the fallen of 9/11

Jamaican Grill, serving Guam for 30 years, invites Guam’s first responders to join the owners and staff in remembering the 2,977 people from 90 nations who perished in the Sept. 11, 2001 tragedy.

Since 2002, and on September 11, Jamaican Grill has hosted its 9.11 Commemorative Luncheon at its locations around Guam to treat Guam’s first responders to a barbecue meal in appreciation of their service.

“Each year, we invite Guam’s finest to stop into any of our Jamaican Grill locations in uniform to enjoy a warm barbecue meal on us. It is a small way we can gather together never to forget the thousands of lives lost in that senseless tragedy 24 years ago,” said Frank Kenney, co-owner.

Co-owner Tim Murphy added, “The Jamaican Grill Commemorative Luncheon, now in its 24^th year, has become a tradition for many of Guam’s first responders and their families. Active-duty police officers, firefighters, and paramedics arrive in their uniforms and share stories, remembering those we lost. We host this event on 9.11 to bring our community together to promote peace and love while giving back to those who serve our community.”

From 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., Jamaican Grill will serve its signature Chicken and Ribs Combo plate lunch for free for first responders from the Guam Police Department, Guam Fire Department, Airport Police, and the island’s paramedics at all four locations on Guam: Hagåtña in the Chamorro Village, Tumon across Pacific Islands Club, Dededo in the Dededo Mall, and Mangilao close to Guam Community College. 

Registration now open for December dance workshops and live performances

The Guam Visitors Bureau has opened the registration for the inaugural Guam International Dance Festival, a regional showcase and competition celebrating cultural heritage, creative expression and artistic excellence. The festival is set to take place on Dec. 6-7 in Tumon.

"We are creating new opportunities that deliver enriching cultural experiences and attract new market segments, which aligns with GVB’s tourism recovery strategy," said Régine Biscoe Lee, GVB president and CEO.

The Cultural Dance division will feature traditional, ceremonial, or folkloric dances including  CHamoru, Carolinian, Chuukese, Yapese, Palauan, Marshallese, Pohnpeian, Pingelapese, Kosraean, Samoan, Polynesian, Filipino, Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese, emphasizing authentic representation and attire. 

The Contemporary Dance division will highlight modern, lyrical, interpretive, theatrical, or conceptual dance, focusing on innovation, storytelling and emotional range.

Participants will compete in Youth (6-12), Teen (13-17), Adult (18+), and Mixed/Open age divisions. Group sizes include Small Group (5-14 dancers) and Large Group (15-50 dancers).

The judges will score performances based on specific criteria for each division. Cultural Dance will be judged on authenticity, execution, choreography, costume, and stage presence. Contemporary Dance will be evaluated on technical skill, originality, musicality, expression and overall impact.

The top three entries in each category and age division will receive medals or trophies. Special awards will also be presented, including Best Cultural Representation, Best Contemporary Concept, Best Costume, Most Creative Concept, and People’s Choice.

Registration is now being accepted online at visitguam.com/gidf.  The deadline for submission of registration forms is Oct. 10.