After a day of intense competion and much fun, the PAN 2024 Grand Finals were capped with performances by dancehall artistes Laa Lee, Jahshii, Ding Dong, and international reggae artiste Christopher Martin to the delight of the large number of patrons who revelled in the various offerings.

Rising gospel artiste Gee was also well-received, as was prolific gospel deejay Rondell Positive.

Attendees were caught up in the excitement of the quality entertainment package curated by hosts CB Foods at Independence Park, Black River, in St Elizabeth, but the main stage of the day’s proceedings was the PAN 2024 extravaganza.

The tears that fell from the eyes of Totlyn McDonald on Sunday night when she was announced grand champion were nothing but tears of joy.

“I was at a loss for words, but I am very happy. When Miss Kitty announced the third-place winner and then the second-place winner, I said to myself, ‘I wonder if my name will be called.’ These are just tears of joy because I have been through so much this year, so much stress and rough times. Now, to win this competition, this is a big accomplishment for me. This is the validation that I needed to continue what I am doing,” the Leith Hall, St Thomas, resident stated.

Her prizes include $1 million from CB Foods, one year’s supply of CB Chicken, one year’s supply of bread from National Baking Company, $100,000 cash from JN Money, cases of beer from Red Stripe, and gift baskets from Walkerswood and Wisynco.

McDonald was also a winner in the Grace Tomato Ketchup Sauce Boss competition, taking first place and bagging $50,000 cash, among other prizes.

Kevin Smith, a restaurateur and pan chicken vendor from St Catherine, finished in second place, walking away with $750,000 from CB Foods, a one-year supply of CB Chicken, $75,000 from JN Money, six months’ worth of National bread, and cases of Red Stripe Beer.

St Mary resident Hassane Gordon finished in third place taking home $500,000 in cash from CB Foods, a one-year supply of CB Chicken, $50,000 from JN Money, and a $30,000 gift voucher from National Bakery.

Other winners at PAN 2024 were Camille Bowen, 2nd place, and Karona Powell, 3rd place, in the Grace Tomato Ketchup Sauce Boss competition winning $30,000 and $20,000, respectively. Powell also won in a new category – PAN Personality.

Despite the rain, patrons were determined to have a good time. The Caribbean Passion Kiddies Village was a hit with the young ones and on the main stage. There were giveaways, dancing competitions, push-up competitions, and games for children and adults alike.

National Baking Company’s Marketing Manager Tiffany Wong said the partnership was a good one for both brands.

“It’s been 16 long years of a partnership between CB Foods and National, for PAN specifically, and it just makes sense for us. There’s no such thing as pan chicken without National Giant Hardo Bread,” said Wong.

“We’re so happy PAN is back… This year has been great, especially with the format change to include workshops. We had the opportunity to interact with the pan vendors, which was amazing because we could see how the content actually helped them and how they could apply it to their businesses… PAN is a great community event that brings people together, and it’s something that we’ll continue to support,” said Cedrica Reid, marketing and sales manager at JN Money Services.