JAMCO spreads smiles beyond the stage in St James outreach
Published:Friday | February 6, 2026 | 12:11 AMAdrian Frater/Gleaner Writer
WESERN BUREAU:
At the mention of JAMCO Entertainment, laughter is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The company is the force behind the popular comedy series Come Av A Laugh, which has delivered rib-tickling humour to local and international audiences who consistently turn out to enjoy the best of Jamaican comedy.
However, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Michael Small, JAMCO Entertainment is about more than just jokes and laughter. The company has also demonstrated a strong commitment to charity – something the Mount Olivet Basic School in John’s Hall, St James, can readily attest to, having benefited from JAMCO’s generosity for more than a decade.
Last Saturday, Small and his team made their annual visit to the school, but this year’s outreach went beyond the usual.
In response to the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, JAMCO expanded its contribution to include care packages and clothing, in addition to the customary school supplies.
“We put on a major show in Montego Bay every year, so we decided it would be a good to give back something to St James,” said Small. “We decided on Mount Olivet Basic School because some members of our organisation have ties to the school, so we took them on as a special project.”
He added: “The school and the students were impacted by the recent passage of hurricane, so we decided to add the care-package component alongside the usual giveaway and fun day,” said Small. “There can be no greater joy than to see the children, their parents and the teachers with broad smiles on their faces.”
Small explained that the items donated were provided in response to a special request from the school’s principal, Jezrese Wright, who outlined in a letter the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa and the urgent needs facing both the institution and its students.
The JAMCO team delivered backpacks, hardcover notebooks, crayons, pencils, socks, shoes, fabric for uniform, toys, clips and bubbles and even underwear. This was accompanied by a fun day, which featured rides, swings and bounceabouts as well as various contests, such as dancing,
Wright was quite pleased with JAMCO’s generosity and used the opportunity to thank Small and his team.
“We want to thank you for your kindness and for answering our call in a time of great need,” Wright told Small. “We want to wish you all the best in your future business ventures, and we are looking forward to maintaining this wonderful relationship between Mount Olivet Basic School and JAMCO Entertainment.”
Small told The Gleaner that his entity – which became a household name locally with productions featuring renowned theatre personalities such as Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley, Fancy Cat, Leighton Smith and Dufton ‘Duffy’ Shepherd – has been spreading its wings internationally.
“We had a good year last year as we took the show on the road with performances in New York and Miami,” said Small. “We are now a staple on the comedy circuit and we a looking forward to another great year.”