We’re in this for the long run – Dwayne Dacres
Best Weekend Ever Foundation aims to expand hurricane relief work
Published:Saturday | November 29, 2025 | 12:05 AM
For nearly two decades, event producer Dwayne Dacres has been creating experiences that bring people together. From the early days of his New Year’s Eve show, Absinthe, in 2006, to crowd-pulling series such as Daybreak and Allure, he has carved out a reliable space in Jamaica’s entertainment arena. CEO of Best Weekend Ever, which includes the Johnnie Walker–sponsored Milk and Honey, Dacres has expanded the brand beyond the party circuit.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, he launched the Best Weekend Ever Foundation, shifting from staging large-scale events to helping families rebuild. The decision wasn’t part of the original timeline, but the devastation made the need impossible to ignore.
“I started the Best Weekend Ever event series about four years ago, right after COVID,” Dacres shared. “The foundation came about this year because we wanted to give back, especially to the communities that always show up for our events.” The team had initially planned to launch in January 2026, but Hurricane Melissa pushed an earlier start. “The day after the storm, we were in the group chat looking at the devastation across the island and we all just felt we couldn’t wait,” he said. “That same day, we decided to act.”
St Ann relief
Their first relief effort brought them to St Ann in early November, the parish that has long hosted their flagship events. The foundation distributed care packages and rebuilding materials such as zinc and plyboard to families in Windsor Heights, St Ann’s Bay, and Stepney in Nine Mile. “Most of the people we helped had lost roofs, furniture, or basic supplies,” Dacres said. “It really meant a lot to be able to show up for them.”
That show of support was made possible through the help of several partners. One of the strongest alliances came through the Hand in Hand Foundation, led by director Jywanza Hall. Promoter teams from Zimi, I Love Soca, and Milk and Honey also rolled up their sleeves, while corporate partners like Red Stripe, KFC, Starlight Productions, Grace, Chas E. Ramson, Cari-Med, and the National Housing Trust provided resources and assistance. “A bunch of individuals volunteered their time and skills to help with coordination and distribution,” he said. “It was really a team effort all around.”
For Dacres, the experience has reshaped his understanding of his role in the entertainment space. “As Jamaicans, I believe we all have a social responsibility to give back,” he said. “People have always shown up for us when we host our events. So, now that they’re the ones in need, it’s only right that we show up for them too.”
The Best Weekend Ever Foundation is already planning additional outreach, with western Jamaica next on the list. The long-term goal is to make giving back inseparable from the brand’s identity. “The foundation was never meant to be a one-time thing,” he explained. “We’re in this for the long run.”
As the country continues to rebuild, Dacres hopes more industry players will join the effort. His advice is simple. “Every bit of help counts,” he said. “Whether it’s financial contributions, products, care packages, or building materials, do what you can, when you can. The industry has a real role to play in helping Jamaica rebuild stronger.”