When the St. Ann Chamber announced earlier this year that they would be bypassing their annual banquet in favour of an evening cruise on the Ocho Rios Bay, their members were ecstatic. But nothing could have prepared them for the level of fun and excitement that was generated from that wonderful evening out on the seas last Sunday.
With the Mahogany Beach serving as the embarking point, guests boarded the posh Cool Runnings boat at approximately 7:00 p.m. and half an hour later, were circling the beachfront area of the resort town. Jamaica Grande’s public relations executive, David Ellis, served as Master of Ceremonies and had a full slate of activities lined up for the evening. After a very quick introduction and going through safety procedures, dinner was served, buffet style.
After dinner, guests were treated to excellent dance music which set the pace for the rest of the evening. A fashion show followed where Chamber directors, Eva Myers and Claire Williamson, brought the house down with some scintillating and some equally sensual moves across the makeshift stage.
It was truly a remarkable evening and everyone agreed was more than an adequate substitute for the banquet this year. Spotted Joe Issa, Bobby and Indra Chandiram, Asha Manglani, Sheryl Robinson, Paul Pennicooke, Jackie Norman, Vivene Duncan, Ravi Daswani, Ravi and Michelle Chatani, Peta Goldsmith, and Blair and Lisa Gonzales, Andrew Grant, Clive and Iva Walters-Baker and Danny Gonzales.
Good news for seafood fanatics
Word has it that Amnesia nightclub boss, Barry Reeves, is venturing into the restaurant business with the soon-to-be opened seafood restaurant, beside Strawberry’s nightclub, on the Reggae Strip in Ocho Rios. Not only is this good news for seafood fanatics like myself, but one can look forward to seeing a top class establishment, considering the trademark of Mr. Reeves. He has truly earned his stripes as a business guru in the resort town and is known as the man with the golden touch.
Upscale getaway
Stopped by the Beaches Royal Plantation last week and certainly the place has lived up to its billing as an upscale getaway of the highest order. Was really impressed with the property, especially the beach area that offers the ultimate in relaxation. Heard owner ‘Butch’ Stewart is insisting that his property be old as a six-star resort, noting that anything less would not suffice. Can’t say that I really blame him.
Grande evening
Spent an evening over at the Grande Lido Sans Souci resort last week attending a fashion show and imply had the time of my life. Now, Sans Souci is the type of hotel that has very high repeat guest ratio and visitors who really know how to have fun. The show itself was a wonderful delight and we saw wonderful performances from veteran models Devon ‘McGyver’ Rowe and Kemilla Coombs.
Enough said
This column has been receiving complaints from a number of people regarding the comments made about contestants in the upcoming Miss Surrey competition. I have pointed out that the contestants this year are a notch or two below those we have seen in previous years, a position I am sticking by.
However, I am willing to apologise if I have inadvertently hurt anybody’s feelings, as the remarks were simply an innocent perception that was not intended to be malicious.
Enough said.
Picture caption: SuperClubs executive vice-president, Joe Isa, left, and Grand Lido Sans Souci general manager, Pierre Battaglia, centre, seem amused by comments from SuperClubs VP – finance, Daine Thomas, as they prepare for a race at SuperClubs Sports Day held recently at Grand Lido Braco, Trelawney.
Source: The Gleaner
