Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

(From left) Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, Cinnamon Hill golf director Robert Ames and his wife Kathy Marley, and Javier Bethancourt, pose for the cameras at the Jamaica Committee Pineapple Ball, last Saturday. - Photos by Janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

Philanthropists Moyra Fitzroy, Jackie Shepherd, Michele Rollins and their Jamaica committee members are bent on raising $4 million this year to provide educational opportunities for needy children, and they probably will, having reached the $3.6 million mark in 2007.

However, the organisers of the 'must do, must be seen at' Jamaica Committee Pineapple Ball outdid themselves again this year with the help of the Ritz-Carlton's culinary masters, who braised one of the most succulent mouth-watering short rib boneless steak prepared in a hotel, and the electrifying music of Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials.

'Enjoy making things happen'

With the slogan 'enjoy making things happen', not only did Pineapple Ball honour education torch bearer, Dr Joyce Robinson, but it easily eclipsed all other parties held in the western city this year, taking first place, at least for now.

Creating a major coup with performances from Rising Star artistes Noddy Virtue and Jodi-Ann Pantry, the tiles on the dance floor at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall were 'rented' as guests refused to sit still after all formalities were concluded.

Unofficial 'tile renters' included: Henry McCurdy, Chescott Browne and Ruel Leslie Madden, who exclusively took centre stage, their most distinctive accessory item being their ties with hints of red or pink. To their left, Dominique and Horace Peterkin, Michelle Rousseau, Isiaa Madden and Rosemarie Madden claimed ownership, while on the right wing, Moyra Fitzroy, her sister, Nora Perez, and Nicky Delisser, laid their claim.

To the front of the stage, Steve Sowa and his wife Brigit, Dr Peter Scarlett and wife Sawn, Janine Remekie and Garth Gray, Carlene and Noel Harrison, danced as if there was no tomorrow.

Jackie Burrell and Murine Ebanks, Kathy Marley and Robert Ames, Cheryl Lyons, Dr Ann Robinson-Bridgewater, Anthony Robinson, Sam James, Alicia Mair, Joe and Pam Hylton, Peter Williams, Naldorrine Topey, Frank and Kathryn May, Candace and William Craig, Neha and Rajesh Kriplani and Sandra Miller-Hall were among those in attendance.

(From left) Betty McGann, Terry Hall and Michele Rollins having a grand time at the ball.

One of Montego Bay's most eligible bachelors, Sam James, is all smiles with his Scotch in one hand and his colleague, Bonnie Baker, on his arm.

The mood was hot as William Craig and his wife Candace showed some affection on the dance floor.

When the music got soft and mellow, Rose Hall Developments Limited's Stanley Constantine and Wata Rose Hall Triathlon's Isa Casserly rented their own tile.

The simply fabulous Hilary Clarke (left) and Paula Hurlock.