BEAUTIFUL LIGHTS, complemented by splendid holiday decor, were the hallmarks of the cocktail parties held at the Up Park Camp and the Atrium in New Kingston recently.
At Up Park Camp, chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force, Major General John Simmonds met guests at the entrance to a colourful area on the lawn at the Flag Staff Mess.
Pepper lights were placed around the area to form an enclosure. And a big mango tree on the lawn was adorned with bulbs to produce low lighting.
Part of the pleasure for the female guests was the resplendence of the army men in their red blazers, lily white shirts and black pants, as they mingled with the guests and sipped cocktails. Members of the JDF who served hors d'oeuvres and fine wines and spirits looked well groomed in their white shirts and black pants, with a blue seam.
There to celebrate with Major General Simmonds were: Opposition Leader Edward Seaga and wife Carla; Deputy Prime Minister Seymour Mullings; John McFarlane; Mike Fennell; Monsignor Richard Albert; Nigerian High Commissioner, Florentina Ukonga and Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke.
Over at the Atrium, the small room was packed to capacity with jovial guests, in keeping with the Yuletide spirit.
Potted lavender and white orchids adorned the place, as well as a Christmas tree tastefully decorated with gold beads and pearls.
New managing director of NCB, Christopher Lowe was introduced by manager of private banking at NCB, Elaine Riettie. Mr. Lowe said NCB needed to get back their market share and improve their technology.
A spread of vegetables with a dip, ham garnished with olives, cheese cake, Christmas pudding, bunches of grape, kebobs with melon, cantaloupe and pineapple, quickly disappeared.
Guests enjoyed the music from Harold Davis on keyboards, Ian Hird on saxophone and Mbala on drums.
Among them were Dr. Errol Williams, Dr. Marshall Hall, Scarlette Gillings, Dr. Pauline Melbourne, Dr. Andrene Chung, Janet Davidson, Dr. Wesley Hughs, B. St. Michael Hylton, Dr. Guyan Arscott and Dr. Rolande Degazon-Johnson.
