Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Leading the guests into the new Palace Gaming Lounge in Mandeville last Friday are Valentine Glave (right), one of the owners of the lounge, his wife, Veronica Glave (second right) and Finance Minister Audley Shaw (left). Behind them are Peter Bunting and Susan Duhaney. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Last Friday night, Mandeville's movers and shakers gathered at Neptune Plaza to celebrate the opening of a new business venture in the town. The Palace Gaming Lounge opened it's doors to much fanfare and celebration.

Guest speaker at the opening, Finance Minister Audley Shaw, congratulated the owners on the project that he said represents entrepreneurial fortitude and risk-taking. "This gaming lounge will provide much-needed entertainment and employment and job creation is key now, more than ever," said Mr Shaw.

Contributing to chase

He singled out for praise Mr Valentine Glave, one of the owners of the facility, as a man who had done well as a sub-contractor. Mr Shaw said the facility would also contribute revenue to the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund. He revealed that plans were also afoot to introduce electronic betting opportunities to the island.

The finance minister said now that the Government has given the go-ahead for casino gambling, the gaming lounge represents a part of the administration's move to widen opportunities in the industry. But he cautioned the management team against allowing underage children access to the lounge. Instead, he advised them to follow the rules laid down by the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission.

Word of caution

He also had a word of caution for those who would gamble away money meant for school fees and household expenses. "Jamaicans like gaming, but this must be seen as a means of entertainment and recreation, not as a substitute for productive endeavours; disposable income is what should be used here," he said.

The opening ceremony was chaired by Member of Parliament Robert Pickersgill and his colleagues Michael Peart and Peter Bunting were also in attendance. Norman Manley, company secretary, gave an overview of the project. Lorraine Clunie of Elegant Weddings provided catering and décor services and Lenya Wilks sang the national anthem. After the formalities, Mr Shaw cut the ribbon to officially open the lounge and as soon as a tour of the lavish two-storey building was complete, guests had a ball trying their luck at the machines.

It's time to play for dollars as depicted by this ice-carved sign surrounded by members of the perfectly coordinated staff at Mandeville's new Palace Gaming Lounge. The official opening was last Friday.

Central Manchester Member of Parliament, Peter Bunting, in a happy mood with general manager of the Palace Gaming Lounge, Sharon Johnson

Finance Minister Audley Shaw makes a point to Diana McIntyre-Pike (centre) and Susan Duhaney.

Danny Anderson (left) tries his luck at the slot machine, while his cousin, Lorenzo Sandford, looks on.

Former football association head, Crenston Boxhill (left), with one of Mandeville's leading citizens, Cecil Charlton, at the opening of the Palace Gaming Lounge.

Talking shop are (from left) Robert Pickersgill, Michael Peart and Peter Bunting.

Tamara Thomas (left) and Kelly-Ann Murray enjoy the evening.

Waiters bearing scrumptious goodies for guests at the opening of the Palace Gaming Lounge.