Tendai Franklyn-Brown, Staff Reporter

Jamaica's Asafa Powell celebrates winning the gold in the men's 4x100-metre relay final, yesterday. It was his first Olympic gold. - AP

WHILE THE country's men and women relay teams tested Jamaica's reign on the track, Scotiabank Centre, downtown Kingston, prepared a treat of Olympic proportions for its customers.

Rolling with the euphoria that is blazing across the island, Scotiabank rolled out the red carpet, brought out the music and produced a flat screen TV and plenty of food and good vibes for those entering the bank.

Also, to bolster support for Powell, Scotiabank sponsored the flights for the former world-record holder's father, Reverend William Powell, and his brother, Nigel Powell, to Beijing.

Customers lined the entrance of the bank before the official 8:30 a.m. opening time, eager to lodge their pay-day cheques and catch the races. In good spirits, branch manager and master of ceremonies for the day, Donovan Hanson, ushered customers in to witness the first of the two relays.

Jumped and cheered

Employees line up at Scotia Centre in the national colours to greet customers along the red carpet, yesterday morning. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Hanson distributed flags to the staff which was decked out in yellow shirts and black pants. The bank's hall was a sea of black, green and gold as persons jumped and cheered as the women set off in the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing.

A failed changeover of the baton between 100-metre silver medallists Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart resulted in Russia claiming the gold and Jamaica out of the race.

Scotia staff, although deflated by the loss of gold in the women's relay, continued to party, anticipating the performance of the men.

They were not let down as Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell powered through the final, causing the audience in the bank to erupt with joy.

Teller services were temporarily suspended as pandemonium gave way to cheering, singing and dancing, revelling in yet another historic moment for Jamaica at the Games.