Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Michael Lee Chin is not to be outdone on the dance floor as he joins in the fun with Sheree Martin.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Neither lightning, thunder nor flood rains could stop National Commercial Bank's (NCB) Michael Lee Chin, his dedicated team and loyal customers from commencing the festive season on Thursday night.

While neighbouring parishes fought the heavy downpour, NCB stormed the Cornwall Room at the elegant Half Moon in Montego Bay, proving yet again that the second city is fast becoming Jamaica's party capital.

The bankers came to say thanks and show that they had answered the call of customers based in the western/northern end of the island. They also proved that contrary to previously held beliefs - Kingston is not Jamaica.

Customers from St. Ann, St. James, Trelwany, Hanover, Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth converged on the party historically known to be held in Kingston.

Unforgettable evening

Sparing no expenses at delivering an unforgettable evening; the creative thinkers carved the letters NCB out of ice in the centre of the room, forming the nucleus to the customer appreciation event.

As the ice melted, so did thoughts that the night was wet, and those who braved the weather were happy they did.

"We have not only listened to you our customers, but we have responded. It is customary for us to have our annual party in Kingston, but our customers said it was inconvenient for them to come to Kingston," explained NCB Group managing director, Patrick Hilton.

The bankers created a cosy retro South Beach scene, with contemporary white couches, white draped cocktail tables caressed by semi-tall trees hugged with blue pepper lights. From the centrestage, entertainer, Susan Couch, belted out music fit for the audience. And when the talented Couch exited the stage she made way for the indomitable Renaissance Disco. Renaissance was soul stirring, choir inspiring as it drew from the '70s and '80s hit after hit, wreaking havoc with the senses.

Horace Peterkin refused to leave the black and white tiled dance floor, Emily and George Duncan had a renewed zest as they 'chased those crazy baldheads out of town'.

When the selector drew Dennis Brown's Love and Hate, the elegant Half Moon was transformed into a hard-core dancehall.

'Ringing the alarm' hours later, Sheree Martin, Michael Lee Chin, Georgiana McBean, Patrick Hilton, Dominique Peterkin, Racquel Dadlani, Julie and Kumar Samtani, Allan Daswani, Belinda Williams, Gloria Minto and Kirk Phillips were just about ready to party.