Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Left: Lisa Johnston (left) has the full attention of Jim and Marina Gill at the Nature Preservation Foundation fund-raising dinner.   Right: R. Danny Williams (left) and wife Shirley chat with Ryland Campbell at the Nature Preservation Foundation fund-raising dinner, held at Hope Gardens, Old Hope Road, on Friday, November 10.- Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The Jamaica Broilers Group and the Jamaica Producers hosted an excellent fund-raising dinner to aid the redevelopment of the once majestic gardens. The Nature Preservation Foundation (NPF) officials in attendance would have been heartened by the turnout of some of Jamaica's most affluent business people, who seemed set to open their hearts (and cheque books) for this cause.

The decor fitted the occasion as it reflected the mood of one of Jamaica's few remaining 'green spots. The calabash lighting to the ackee centrepieces and the broad- leaf place mats made it as natural as possible. Guests were treated to a fine buffet, expertly prepared by super chef Mario Machado, who prepared some great Jamaican staples, including rundown and plantain. Throw in macaroni and cheese, finger-licking oxtail and escoveitched fish, plus potato pudding and other delights for dessert and you had a fine repast.

The evening was a walk down memory lane for many of the 'older' folks as the Jamaica Military Band, which used to play regularly at Hope Gardens when it was the place to be, strummed some Jamaican favourites for the crowd to enjoy.

Karl Binger, executive director of the NFP, outlined some of the plans for the gardens, which included renovation of such favourite attractions as the butterfly garden, as well as the plant nursery and petting zoo, and erecting picnic tables, kiosks and many signs for guests to find their way around.

Major General Robert Neish of the Digicel Foundation (who admitted to always raiding the mango trees of the gardens in his youth), pledged his company's sponsorship of the fountain and the bandstand, while Ian Levy of Supreme Ventures also announced his company was in for the long haul. But it wasn't just those big entities that are looking to return the glory. Rosie McIver, who grew up and now still lives within a mile of the gardens, has committed to providing 60 benches for guests to take a load off. With this type of help, it is only a matter of time before the gardens return to their rightful state in Jamaican folklore.

Guests included: Chris Zacca, Chris and Zein Nakash, Ian Neita, Nikki and Sharon Feanny, Ian and Celia Levy, David Hall and Liz Sheehan, and AnthonyJohnson.