Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer
These ladies were representing M.I.A. at the Appleton Treasure Island 2006 Media Launch, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Tuesday. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
ANDREW PRYCE of Wray and Nephew called the numbers on Appleton Treasure Island 2006 from the Top of the World, Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday evening.
Four days, four nights, 11 'big name parties', 10 top selectors, all in one town at Jamaica's western tip. And certainly vats of Appleton, as well as other juices.
The announcement was made at the party long before the party weekend, Appleton Treasure Island 2006, which runs from Friday, August 4, to Monday, August 7, in Negril, Westmoreland. Tuesday's launch event buzzed with swashbuckling instant pirates and wenches, single eyes flashing and skull and crossbones gleaming from the eyepatches slipped on at entry, matching headwraps, clip-on hoop earrings, dangling hoop earrings and red sashes completing the outfits.
EXOTIC NAMES
There were some exotic names from Pryce to go with the outfits, among them 'Appletinis and Bikinis', 'Pin N Ting', 'Yush', 'Twisted Spiritz' and 'Appleton Live', all names of parties and, for the last, a live concert, which will take place on the Appleton Treasure Island weekend.
Among the sound systems and selectors who will play on the Independence party weekend are Coppershot, Arif Cooper, ZJ Liquid, Colin Hines, Code Red, Richie Feelings, Teddy Appleton, Bass Odyssey, Bodyguard and Kurt Riley.
Appleton Live, which takes place from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 6, features Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Bling Dawg, Left Side and Esco, Rik Rok, Prince Mydas and many more.
Pryce promised that for the weekend "we will deliver - flair, fashion, energy, vibes, mixology and an all-round Appleton experience."
It is not only a matter of fun though, but also business, and Denise Dixon of Pepsi Jamaica said "The Independence weekend is no ordinary weekend and Appleton Treasure Island is no ordinary event."
Dixon said that apart from alcoholic drinks there will be non-alcoholic beverages, including the Tropicana line of juices and sodas. She also said that there will be a detox bar and a watering spot "to ensure that we all have a safe and incident-free weekend."
Cable and Wireless' Rodney Davis noted that there is another major event that the company is involved in that weekend, Reggae Sunsplash. "We expect to see some patrons get shuttles from Appleton Treasure Island to Reggae Sunsplash and back," he said.
And representatives of the promoters of various parties on the Appleton Treasure Island weekend gave an indication of what is to come. Mark Bennett of Elan Entertainment was flanked by a pair of ladies who he said represented the theme of the party. Ian MacNally of Pip N Ting said "It's all about party. All you need is a bikini, the hottest pair of shorts you have, flip-flops at best."
