Shoes were a hindrance so they were cast aside by this patron who had a ball on the dance floor at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel New Year's Eve ball on Monday night. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

A MINUTE before midnight, the countdown to 2008 began in the Grand Jamaica Suite at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel ballroom in Kingston.

The ladies came adorned in all their finery accompanied by 'dapper' men. The ballroom decor was festive with silver and blue balloons. Patrons donned their complimentary party hats and wasted no time in getting to the dance floor where the Peter Philips Disco was keeping them merry.

The entertainment picked up as soon Marie Myrie and Montana came on stage for a lively sets. Belting Electric Boogie, Myrie kept up the tempo with Celebrate and I Will Survive.

Emcee Norma Brown-Bell ensured they were soon back on the dancefloor, however, as she urged them out of their seats to dance to Let's Get It On. With Peter Philips Disco back on the wheels of steel the grove slowed somewhat as the men drew their women close into a slow groove.

After 11:00 p.m., Nicky OJ hit the stage with a bang. With James Brown-like dance moves, Nicky sang Stand By Me and others before getting into a little soca as he worked his waistline for the ladies at the front of the dancefloor.

When the countdown finally started, patrons raised their champagne glasses, held their darlings close while balloons were released around them. It was clear that 2008 had arrived in style.

- K.H.