Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Members of the Virgin Atlantic Airways team at the promotion 'Montego A Go Go' last Thursday night. - Photos by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

White sandy beach, incredibly sexy limbo dancers and fabulously jewelled dreadlocks amid a Trinidadian pan player formed part of the setting that greeted travel agents and tour operators at the Virgin Atlantic Airways' 'Montego A Go Go' party last Thursday night.

Strategically set at the Hammersmith Palais on London's west side, the event, held in collaboration with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), attracted some 500 travel trade professionals.

Bent on repeating the excitement created at the Rose Hall Great House reception in July during their inaugural flight to the tourism capital, the 'real virgins' - of the eccentric Richard Branson team served up a provisional 'flight' using Red Stripe beer, rice and peas, jerked chicken, pork ribs and swordfish to satiate the English appetites.

For entrée, Virgin dished out a musical explosion by reggae's unofficial European ambassador, Maxi Priest.

Soulful and melodious

Accompanied by blaring drums, masterfully strummed guitars, Maxi Priests' soulful and melodious voice commanded the obedient waistlines that swayed and 'wine' seductively, giving the feel of dancehall of yesteryear.

The Priest selected lyrics from the song, You Don't Know How It Feels To Be Loved, before taking the dancing crowd on the journey of Just A Little Bit Longer Baby. By the time he belted song number three, he had the audience mesmerised.

When he paid tribute to Montego Bay, Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, a woman in the audience ran towards the stage shouting, "Him feget bout Trelawny, wah happen to Trelawny, Maxi."

Oblivious to her outburst, the musical giant belted out Bob Marley's Waiting In Vain before paying tribute to Shabba Ranks.

Priest, sweating profusely, finally exited the stage, making way for the contemporary band, Love Shack.

Virgin Atlantic Airways had made impact it wanted, while at the same time giving away free trips for two to Montego Bay, combined with vacations at the exclusive Half Moon, Starfish Trelawny and SuperClubs resorts.

Left: The Sandals Resorts International posse had so much fun. They were literally the life of Virgin Atlantic Airways promotional party 'Montego A Go Go' last Thursday night at the Hammersmith Palais in London, England. Some 500 travel agents and tour operators turned out for the event which was part sponsored by the Jamaica Tourist Board.  Right: These revellers had the time of their lives during the Virgin Atlantic Airways party last Thursday night at the Hammersmith Palais in London, England. Photos by Janet Silvera