Andia Elliott, owner, Andia's Bar.
Raising the bar
The economic power of Andia’s round robins in rural Jamaica
ON a quiet stretch of land in St Elizabeth, Andia’s Bar is more than just a watering hole; it’s a lifeline. By day, its owner Andia Elliot tends to her chickens, farming a piece of land she inherited from her family. By night, her bar transforms into a beacon of activity, hosting community members, local patrons, and partygoers from across Jamaica. But it’s Andia’s leadership in one of Jamaica’s decade-old traditions — the round robin — that has turned her modest establishment into an economic force.
Round robins, a mix of social gathering and a financial system, have long been part of Jamaica’s cultural fabric. These events, rotating between bar owners, combine partying with pooled investments, providing a platform for hosts to earn a lump sum while boosting their bar’s visibility and revenue. For Andia, it’s more than a business model — it’s a community-building mechanism.
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“Round robins are like the partner system, but with a party twist,” Andia explains. “Everyone contributes, and when it’s your turn to host you get financial support but you also draw a crowd that can double your earnings for the night. It’s a way of lifting each other up.”
Her signature series, Campari Highlife, supported by J Wray and Nephew, has become a standout in the round robin circuit. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and well-organised events, it draws partygoers from as far as Kingston and Montego Bay, creating a ripple effect of economic activity in St Elizabeth.
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The numbers tell the story of why round robins matter — not just to Andia but to the wider community. Each event involves the contributions of approximately 30 bar owners, with hosts receiving a minimum lump sum of $300,000 dollars. For many, these payouts fund significant life goals — from home improvements to small business expansions.
Andia, for example, reinvests her earnings into her bar and farm, ensuring both businesses remain viable. “When I host, the profits help me restock my bar, maintain my property, and even grow my farming ventures,” she says. “It’s not just about me — it’s about creating opportunities for others.”
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The economic impact extends beyond the host as round robins generate jobs for servers, disc jockeys, and set-up crews, while vendors supplying food, drinks, and decorations see a surge in demand. “When I host an event, I hire people in the community,” Andia notes. “And when someone else hosts, they often come back to me for support. It’s a cycle of community support that benefits everyone.”
A resilient businesswoman in a male-dominated industry
Andia’s success as both a bar owner and a round robin leader stands out in an industry often dominated by men. Her journey began in 1998 when she opened her first bar on her aunt’s land. After being forced to relocate in 2009 she rebuilt on a plot inherited from her mother and hasn’t looked back since.
“This business requires discipline,” Andia says. “I run my bar myself because I want to ensure everything is done right. You have to love what you do, but you also have to be strict. Mixing business with friendship will only hurt you in the long run.”
Managing risks is another hallmark of Andia’s approach. Operating a bar can be dangerous, especially at night, but Andia mitigates these risks by closing early and carefully vetting her customers. “Bar work is risky, but you learn to manage,” she says. “I know my regulars, and if someone seems off, I don’t sell to them.”
Her practical, no-nonsense approach has earned her respect in the community and inspired other women to follow her lead. For Andia, being a woman in the industry isn’t a barrier — it’s an advantage. “We see things differently,” she explains. “We pay attention to details men might overlook.”
The COVID-19 Test
Like many small business owners, Andia faced her toughest challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. With bars forced to close or operate under strict limitations, she leaned on her farming background to survive. Raising chickens provided a steady, if modest, income stream that helped her weather the storm. “COVID was rough,” she recalls. “But I had my farm, and my husband was supportive. That kept us going.”
The pandemic also underscored the importance of diversification. Today, Andia balances her bar with farming, ensuring that her livelihood isn’t dependent on a single source of income. “The bar and the farm work together,” she says. “When one slows down, the other helps me stay afloat.”
As the driving force behind the Campari Highlife events, Andia has transformed her bar from a local hangout into a hub of economic and social activity. But her ambitions don’t stop there. Looking ahead, she hopes to see round robins continue to grow, benefiting not just bar owners but entire communities.
“The round robin isn’t just about the money — it’s about people coming together,” she says. “When we support each other, we all win.”
For Andia, success isn’t measured by the size of her bar or the crowds at her events but by the impact she has on the people around her. Her story is a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and the power of community — a reminder that even the smallest businesses can drive big change.
