Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The first of two major after-budget speech cocktail parties took place on Thursday, April 26, at the Cherry Gardens residence of businessman Michael Stern. The man of the hour was Opposition Leader Bruce Golding who, along with wife Lorna, pressed flesh and thanked all for turning out.

The second will follow the presentation of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller next week.

To say the affair was 'corked with people' is an understatement. They represented all sectors of the society and a jolly time was had by all. Here are highlights of the event.

LEFT: Opposition Leader Bruce Golding arrives with his wife Lorna for the post-budget cocktail reception in Cherry Gardens, St. Andrew, last Thursday.

RIGHT: Dr. Herbert Eldemire and his wife Barbara relax by the pool at the home of Michael Stern, venue of the Bruce Golding post-budget reception.