By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterIF THE new year had feelings, it would probably blush from all the attention. It seemed everybody gave 2003 a welcome party across the Corporate Area from the hotels and clubs around New Kingston to the hills of St. Andrew.
The Terra Nova Hotel had a swanky little affair on their lawns. The once overcast sky gave way to a canopy of stars lending their light to the occasion. To have this event inside, would have been a waste. No tree was left bare as every branch and leaf was covered with lights. The star-shaped lanterns overhead gave off a romantic atmosphere. Throw in the Now Generation Band and the soothing, mellow voice of Barry Briggs and you had a party. The dancefloor was rarely empty as guests slow jammed, boogied or 'got on bad' to the music.
Black was the dominant colour especially among the men, in their tuxedos or dark suits; although a few did risk colours such as red. The ladies were more adventurous. Some tried the golden look, while others went for a pure white. Some glowed, others glittered and all were beautiful.
There was a feeling of anticipation in the air as the seconds ticked closer and closer. Those who had not yet tested the dancefloor made sure that 2003 caught them there in the arms of their companions. As the clock struck midnight, the white balloons, which up to now were hidden, were set loose in the night sky. Even the waiters and bartenders joined in at this point as, for a few minutes, only the strains of Auld Lang Syne could be heard for miles.
Meanwhile, up at the lofty Stony Hill abode of Kenny Benjamin, there was a party that could easily rival any hotel. The popular Guardsman Security boss pulled out all the stops to make sure guests had the customary good time. Strolling through the front gates and up the wooden steps, you would find the first group sipping wine beside the pool. But the dancefloor was the hotspot. The host was effervescent; drink in hand and trademark glasses, he welcomed one and all. Seems as if he has made a few adjustments to the house as a splendid waterfall splashed away behind those moving their feet to the beat. The city below looked thousands of miles away as the chatter mixed with great music wafted across the hill.
Over at the Devonshire, Devon House, the Merritone sound was alive and well. The 'old foots' said hello to the new by getting down to the old. Ladies literally kicked off their dancing shoes as
they remembered 'the good old days' inside the cosy little enclave. The 'come as you are' atmosphere was perfect for the trips down memory lane. No one cared if you were sporting a grey flannel suit or a tee shirt: this was a party and everyone was invited. The party showed no signs of slowing down even after three hours into the new year; guests simply could not get enough. Ska, blues, disco every conceivable sound that Merritone has become associated with thrilled the ear.
While Merritone took us back in time, the Liguanea Club gave us the present as Renaissance Disco was in full force, keeping the younger generation doing all the latest moves. You knew there was a party going on judging by the cars; the sidewalks subbed as parking spaces. If things were tight outside, there was standing-room-only inside as the sea of heads told the tale. Groups of friends could be seen holding hands as they made their way through the crowd last thing you'd want to do is lose your ride home. The young ladies, either in skimpy blouses and jeans or short dresses had the guys drooling. After 4:00 a.m., the patrons were still coming and Delano and company more than obliged; keeping it tight 'till morning.
Whether it was to forget the bad episodes of 2002 or get a head start on the fun for '03, New Year's Eve was one excitingly intoxicating event.
