We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Weir and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jason, how does your business help the community?
Portland876 helps by providing job opportunities for cane farmers, crab vendors, fruit sellers, and many other vendors. It creates an opportunity for vendors to earn an honest living for themselves because it brings visitors to Portland Parish. Even if it’s just for a couple of hours, new consumers come to Portland and everyone benefits, including taxi drivers.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
We have a love for our country Jamaica. But we have a wider love for Portland Parish. Growing up in Portland, we were always told there’s nothing in Portland. People did not want to come here. That drove us to create Portland876 and showcase the natural beauty of our Parish. There’s no other Parish in Jamaica that compares to its untouched natural beauty. And we have the passion to showcase it because we love it! WE LOVE IT! I am most proud when I overhear conversations about Portland’s stunning beauty. And witnessing an influx of visitors planning trips here. I enjoy watching buses pass through with visitors heading to beaches and rivers. Witnessing them having a good time and enjoying the beauty of the Parish, makes me proud.
I owe my current position to the power of networking and the guidance of my mentor, Tony Fisher (@IamTonyFisher), who is also co-founder of Portland876. By connecting in the right circles, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from each individual. Our journey has been challenging, requiring continuous effort and pushing ourselves beyond our limits. However, we remain committed to growth and professionalism. While the road has not been easy, our unwavering belief in ourselves, staying focused, and following the right path have propelled us forward. We haven’t reached our limit yet! Through perseverance and self-belief, we continue to overcome obstacles.
One lesson that I’ve learned is that even when things seem slow, just know that slow progress is better than no progress.
I want the world to know our brand is rooted in authenticity, and our goal is to expand globally, showcasing Portland876 as a prime representative of Portland Parish in Jamaica. We are committed to continuous growth, striving to build bigger and better with each step forward.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start by taking them to Winifred Beach, followed by a visit to a serene, hidden river where they can unwind, bask in the sun, and enjoy a refreshing swim. To finish the day, we would have dinner at The Hip Strip Restaurant and Lounge in Port Antonio, ensuring a memorable experience filled with relaxation and delicious food.
A few fun places to explore: Turtle Bay Cove, Frenchman’s Cove, and rafting at Sanco Bay. Make sure to visit and swim at Blue Lagoon, where you might catch a glimpse of turtles.
Also checkout Folly Ruins and Folly Lighthouse, as well as Fort George, which boasts numerous cannons dating back to the conflicts between the Spaniards and the English. This historic fort played a crucial role in defending against Spaniard invasions and is a must-see attraction.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout co- founder Tony Fisher ( @IamTonyFisher ) for his continuous mentorship, his belief in my vision and love for Portland876
Instagram: @Portland876
Facebook: Portland Jamaica
Youtube: The 876 Vloggers
Other: Personal Instagram: @Jay_Boulevard