Sebert Robinson jerks his tasty chicken in Portland.
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:SEBERT ROBINSON, a chef by profession, has been preparing jerked chicken in Port Antonio for more than 35 years, a livelihood which has allowed him to provide for his large family while satisfying the cravings of many with the spicy meat cooked in authentic sauce.
Robinson, who is now 49 years old, started his jerked chicken business at the tender age of 15 while working at a villa in the San San area, where he developed a good relationship with tourists and the local people.
Robinson explained that his cooking skills were inherited from a family member, however, he said that he had developed his own style and flavour, which are further enhanced by his ability to interact with the public.
"I am actually the people's favourite," commented the jerkman.
He added: "Once they approach my stall, I greet them warmly. And even if they are not doing a purchase, I still thank them for stopping by. I do my jerked chicken after I leave work in the evenings as I am employed as a chef at a hotel in Port Antonio."
reputation
Robinson said: I started out with one chicken, and that was about in 1978, and as the years went by, I gradually increased my stock. Back then, I had a reputation for being a good cook. I was able to attract many persons to my jerked chicken business, and by the mid-1980s, I had established myself, which allowed me to properly care for my 10 children. They all received a proper education as a result of this jerked chicken business."
Since then, the business has expanded. This entrepreneur has admitted that he has encountered many challenging times, especially with the frequent increase in the price of chicken meat, which forces him to add on a little extra to consumers.
But despite that, Robinson, who is an executive chef at a popular hotel in Port Antonio, pointed out that his experience has allowed him to remain competitive in business as his spices are second to none.
Robinson refuses to disclose what the secret ingredients are. The spicy jerked chicken is served with either roasted breadfruit or festival. He boasts that preparation and consistency have earned him recognition with many foreigners, who return to his stall to get a taste of the prized meal.
Today, Robinson has a mobile cart, to which he has affixed his jerked pan. He can be seen at just about every event in the Port Antonio region.
"My best customers are the police, nurses, taxi men, students, the mayor, and other political figures. To be successful in business, one has to make sacrifices and learn how to put away a dollar for emergencies. With no money, there will be no business. With no business, there is no opportunity. And with no opportunity in life, there are no children and no wife."
rural@gleanerjm.com