Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
PHOTOS BYSHARI OLIVER
Garth Walker (right) and Jodi Myrie (centre), both of High Society Entertainment, and Ian Wong of Frenchmen were among the party promoters at the launch of Absolute Tempation Isle (ATI) 2006.
A SCENE of beachside bliss, complete with sand, lounge chairs, and a host of bikini-clad ladies gave the perfectly
suited setting for the official launch of 'Absolute Temptation Isle (ATI) 2006' the weekend summer getaway that has become a staple on the yuppie entertainment calendar since its inception in 2002.
On Tuesday evening, Absolute Entertainment revealed their plans for ATI 2006 in the transformed Grog Shoppe at Devon House on Hope Road. This year's staging, which will span July 27-August 3, according to Alex Chin of Absolute Entertainment, promises to eclipse last year's, with a new record of 14 parties in one event all of which are covered by one all-access pass.
Chin describes ATI 2006 as a medley of 'firsts' for the series. For the first time in the five-year history of the summer series, Smirnoff Ice has come on board, joining Digicel as the main sponsors. Safiya Cooper, the brand manager of Smirnoff Ice, explains, "being the party brand we are, we are excited to take the Absolute approach to giving the patrons a great party weekend." Under the Smirnoff Brand, three additional parties Spice, Smirnoff Temperature, which is jointly
hosted by High Society and Mad Circle Entertainment, and Smirnoff Exclusive will join
staples such as Stages, Temptation Live and Wildsides on the ATI line-up. Wright Image Entertainment, who collaborated with Absolute for Luau 2006, held over the Easter Holiday weekend, has also brought their signature event Daydreams to Negril. Further, the event has expanded from being a weekend event to a weeklong event for 2006. As such, ATI 2006 is captioned 'From Kingston to Negril and back' and is scheduled to start in Kingston on July 27, move to the western beach village of Negril for the Emancipation Weekend from July 28 -August 2, and return to Kingston to 'shut it down' on August 3.
With this, the promoters promise Absolute's event to be the bigger, better ATI 2006. Particular effort has been put into the 'drink responsibly' campaign and tackling the recurring issues of traffic and parking.
According to Yhan Hendricks of Alaska Entertainment, who is responsible for Wildsides, a steering committee has been formed solely to address the traffic problems. He revealed one of the measures whereby no parking will be allowed at the venue for any event and to supplement this there will be six lots available for parking. He also asserted that there will be a heavy fleet of shuttle buses running along the strip throughout the weekend.
The Deputy Director of Tourism, Mr. David Shields, revealed that the Jamaica Tourist Board has officially endorsed Absolute Temptation Isle 2006. "We share the vision that ATI has great potential to become an internationally renowned event," he says.
