MAKING MERRY ALONG THE NORTHCOAST
If there is one time of year that majority of the northcoast hotel workers look forward to, it is the period when they get a chance to have fun and receive great gifts and awards at their annual staff parties.
Traditionally these parties involve dining, entertainment, presentation of outstanding awards and partying.
Scanning the northcoast, it was noted that budgetary constraints affected the outlook of some parties this year. In two noticeable instances, the parties were held on the hotel compound unlike other years when spaces were rented for these events.
Some special entertainment were also reduced and in one case there was only a disco provided leading to a sparse attendance by the staff to that function. In reverse, we found some properties going in a big and fancy way to say thanks to the staff and featured top level entertainment.
At the Sandals Negril, Tony Rebel was headline act; at San Souci Lido, Fab 5 band provided entertainment and at Renaissance Jamaica Grande, the musical ambassadors – Third World had the staff rocking. Third World spokesman, Ibo Cooper, said it was one of the most enjoyable local sessions they had ever done.
Little wonder that the band then gave an extra 25 minutes of entertainment at the Jamaica Grande party. Prior to the band’s performance, the Jamaica Grande staff performed a well-received play.
Not to be outdone, at Swept Away in Negril, the emerging popular artiste, Mickey Spice gave a great account of himself at the staff party. The partying schedule will run into this weekend with Sandals Montego Bay and Enchanted Gardens scheduled have theirs during that time.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FASHION SHOWCASE
To help folks decide what clothing options are available for their options are available for their holiday dressing. First Impressions boutique in association with the Garden Parish Kiwanis staged their annual fashion show on Saturday night. Under the theme ‘Mission Impossible’, the collection had a James Bond edge to it in the theme music and its opening segment captured the attitude of things Bond with models in black and action to match.
Taking the ramp were models Jackie, Sandrene, Nadine, Erica, Latoya, Debbie, Tracy, Cheryl, Michelle, Micheele, Simone, Johnathon, Kharl, Devon, Neville and Richard. Taking on the role of emcee was Weston Haughton who stirred much response with his dramatic entrance.
Lycra jersey was the popular material of the collection. The 60’s pants suits and spring preview pieces of jeans with body shirts were among the more popular items with the audience. The range this year was very wide and there were touches of plaids and stripes; multi-coloured florals and solids; tiger prints and oriental influenced designs.
Most noticeable were the shiny, brilliant men’s suits which were included in the cocktail segment of the show.
These were a great departure from the traditional slick, conservative and gentlemen’s wear. One doesn’t need to be a fashion prude to question the acceptance this particular line will receive within the marketplace. On the flipside, the women clothing was appealing in general and if every woman could afford that black velvet dress with X strap at the back, worn with great feminine allure by model Tracy, I believe it would become the uniform at the New Year’s Eve functions.
Providing the musical entertainment was ARP singers, a group which I was seeing perform for the first time. They carry a good harmony and sang music from different genres for variety.
Dressed in overalls, one expected them to be concentrating on rap-style music rather than smooth groves. This clashing of outfit with musical style jarred a bit. They are in good hands, if my information is correct that they are managed through Jacki Jackson’s agency.
Their performance was a nice diversion on the evening’s event and we on the northcoast look forward to seeing their future development since we are always looking for alternative entertainment.
Overall, this year’s staging of the fashion show was satisfactory but not on the same level as last year’s.
Photo caption: MUTA AND KIWANIANS: Internationally renowned dub poet, Mutabaruka (c)shares a light moment with director Bobby Montague (l), and honorary Kiwanian Joe Issa following the weekly meeting of the Kiwanis Club St. Mary at the luxurious SuperClubs Super-Inclusive Sans Souci Lido resort on December 10. Muta was the guest speaker for the evening.
Source: North Coast Times
