Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Left: These revellers had no reservations enjoying themselves at the RTI. Right: This woman was among the few adults who showed that they were enjoying themselves at the Red Stripe Temptation Isle party at Mariner's Beach Club in Negril, Westmoreland, last Friday night. - Photos by Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

What was promised to be the biggest weekend party in Negril, Westmoreland, kicked off to a fine and promising start last Friday night.

Thousands of teenagers descended on the venue at Mariner's Beach Club along the Norman Manley Boulevard, bringing traffic to a snarl straight back to 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The much-hyped title-sponsored Red Stripe Temptation Island (RTI) party, was scheduled to commence at 9:00 p.m. showcasing Delano's birthday party, but up to minutes after 11:00 p.m., the venue was empty.

This was, however, a mere deception, as by 12:30 patrons literally had to play hopscotch to avoid stepping on each other's toes. The place was 'corked'.

It was a night when skimpy shorts, bikinis and other revealing garments paraded, and many young women sported their flashy 'belly buttons'.

Total enjoyment

The young at heart consumed large quantities of alcoholic beverages, puffed cigars and cigarettes in a precocious fashion, and danced the night away. The youngest of patrons felt a sense of adulthood.

It was one of those weekends when most parents dropped their guards, forego restrictions and allowed their teenage and young daughters and sons to have a good time with their peers, a reward for doing well in their academic pursuits. As young as they may be, everybody was in somebody's arms and defensive frowns told photographers to stay away.

DJ 'Smoke' from Renaissance Disco thumped the rhythms loudly, one after the other to keep the tempo burning. Surmising that he could be in for trouble if he didn't, DJ Smoke left nothing to chance, there was no gap in between. Wine Gal Wine, Tek Way Yuself, Wacky Dip and Stoogie were among the selections.

Complementing the evening was a bunch of black beauties, seven sassy, sexy looking girls, all dolled up in black shorts, mesh leggings, dark shades and tall black boots. They were representing Axe Body Spray. Their duty was to frisk male patrons as they enter the venue, and they did from head to toe in a tantalising fashion.

DO Chin, selector with the Miami-based sound system, Black Chiney, was up next on stage, spinning a barrage of modern favourites. Rags waved high, as he introduced soca music, but this was short-lived as he punched reggae and hip hop from the turntable. The crowd went wild. Tonight (Monday) will climax the Red Stripe-sponsored four nights of pulsating red-hot parties in Negril.