Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Businesswoman April Parchment (right), managing director of The Event Place in Montego Bay, with the models who took the catwalk at the Chinese New Year celebration, held at the Montego Bay Yacht Club, last Sunday. - Noel Thompson/Freelance Photographer

WESTERN BUREAU:

The Chinese community in Montego Bay and its environs had a field day last Sunday afternoon when they celebrated the Chinese New Year at the Montego Bay Yacht Club.

It was an evening punctuated with fun, dance, fashion show, kung fu exhibition, music and, of course, an abundance of Chinese cuisine. But as much as they had prepared, organisers were surprised by the massive turnout and the food was not enough, as people kept coming up to late evening.

Veteran photographer Michael Chen, of Chinese descent, wooed the audience, particularly the children with his 50-trick magic show. The children found his show amusing and the few who participated were seemingly mesmerised.

April Parchment, managing director of The Event Place, located at Upper Deck, Montego Bay, coordinated the fashion show, which comprised adult and children models, while martial arts experts from the Wing Lung Fung Fu school, based at the Montego Bay Chinese Club, carried off an exciting exhibition under the supervision of instructor Tony Lue.

During the celebration, one Chinese national volunteered to translate English to Mandarin for his countrymen who attended but were not able to understand or speak the Queen's language fluently.

'Lucky money'

Just after 5:00 p.m. Leslie Huwe, one of the oldest Chinese residents in Montego Bay, dished out small envelopes containing 'lucky money' (J$50 notes) to a bunch of children. This year's celebration was held in observance of the 'Year of the Golden Pig'.

Charles Kong, a member of the Montego Bay Chinese Club, explained: "In Western society, pig is a dirty animal, but in Chinese tradition, people born in the year of the pig are considered honest, loyal and hold their friendships dearly."

He estimates that about 550 persons were in attendance. This included a mix of Chinese, Indians, Jamaicans and Caucasians. The celebration took a two-year break in 2004. Mr. Kong says money raised from Sunday's event would be used to assist in the refurbishing of the Chinese Club along Creek Street in Montego Bay.

"The money won't be enough to cover refurbishing cost. Conservatively, we need about $12 million to undertake the exercise. We also want to erect a security fencing around the premises," said Mr. Kong.

The Chinese community also took the opportunity to renew its invitation to the local community to become members of the club and join in their activities.