Contributed
LEFT: Dionne Grant
File
RIGHT: Rita Marley

Dionne Grant, Courtesy of The Voice

London, England:

Attempting to sing a Bob Marley classic when you have no singing ability should usually be consigned to a drunken karaoke performance.

It should never be subject to Marley's nearest and dearest in the form of his Grammy-Award winning son, Stephen Marley, or one of his 'three little birds' - wife, Rita Marley of the I-Three. You can, therefore, imagine my complete horror when I was told I would do exactly that.

Whisked away to Tuff Gong

After arriving in the paradise isle of Jamaica on Virgin's inaugural flight to the country's capital, I was whisked away to the legendary Tuff Gong Recording Studios for a 'tour', only to find that on arrival I would be greeted by a very reserved Stephen Marley and Virgin president, Richard Branson, and told that I would be accompanying them on the backing vocals of Bob Marley's hit song.

With oversized headphones adorned on my head and a microphone stand towering over my five-foot frame, the music was cued and the first rehearsal was under way. However, while 'jamming' to the syncopated rhythms blasting from the speakers, the larger-than-life Rita Marley enters the studio, happily bouncing along to her late husband's musical composition and all smiles despite the terrible weather outside. The music is stopped and our second surprise is formally introduced - Mrs. Rita Marley.

Final cut

Surprisingly, despite an array of out-of-tune journalists on backing vocals, the final cut didn't sound too bad. Oh, the wonders of modern-day technology!

The rather glum weather in Jamaica at the time of our visit prevented the magnificent views usually present at the famous Strawberry Hill Resort's 3,000-feet vantage point in the Blue Mountains, where we had spent the night following an enjoyable evening of live music and non-stop Jamaican cuisine. But the sun soon appeared and reminded us why Jamaica remains one of the most popular holiday destinations around the world.

The views from the small Liat plane, now en route to Goldeneye, the idyllic retreat built and made famous by novelist, Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond and the 007 phenomenon, were spectacular. The Jamaican heat, slowly reaching its peak, made our afternoon of unlimited tropical cocktails, food and amazing views at the historic and private resort that much more special.

Infamous kiss

We were later joined by Mike Henry, the Minister of Transport and Works, and Richard Branson, who mingled with the guests before the ceremony, which called for Branson to plant a cotton tree - in true Goldeneye celebrity tradition - which then led to the infamous kiss from Branson on a none-too-impressed Henry. Henry has remained adamant of his disapproval at the Virgin deal, which saw Virgin Airways take over the Kingston route from Air Jamaica, which has now decided to cease operations between the United Kingdom and the idyllic destination.

Branson said, "These new flights will mean that Jamaicans, many of whom have strong links with the U.K., will have competitive fares on offer along with the world-class service Virgin Atlantic is renowned for. The services will also ensure that British visitors continue to have the best access to Jamaica, with thousands of tourists set to significantly boost the region's economy in the years ahead."

Dionne Grant was flown to Jamaica thanks to Virgin Airlines. Virgin flights leave from Gatwick on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. More information at www.virgin-atlantic.com.