To fully understand the magnitude of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC), think about the fact that it's been around since the days of horse and buggy. Yeah, that long!

The JCC hosted its annual awards banquet at the Hilton Kingston Jamaica hotel on Thursday, March 12. Under the theme 'Journey Through Time, 1779 to 2009', the event had all the ingredients of a classy affair; the red carpet, the black tie and tux, flowery decor (and the paparazzi flashing away).

Other than the awards, one of the highlights of the evening was the performance of the group Nomaddz, who had the guests laughing, reminiscing and thinking with their dub poetry.

History

Michele Johnson (left), is quite pleased to be caught on camera with Elizabeth Samuda (centre) and Nicole Lambert.

They gave a history of the JCC, delivered a so-close-to-home depiction of life in the private sector and gave a 'big up' to the sponsors. Their upbeat, catchy lyrics, comedy and versatility gave the guests a different type of dining entertainment; all part of the JCC's awards committee revamping the banquet.

Guests included: Charles Ross, Tony and Yvonne Ray, Dr Karen Hilliard, Shelly-Ann Curran, Clelia Barreto de Hunter, Jackie and Noel DaCosta, Ed Khoury and Allison Cross, Howard and Marlene Hamilton, Audrey Chin, Wayne Miller, Mark Shields and the expecting Emily Crooks, Grace Burnett, Melody Cammock-Gayle, Mark and Betty McKenzie, Gary Osbourne and wife Maxine Whittingham-Osbourne, Heather Goldson, Jennifer Messado, Lloyd Distant Jr, Anthony Gomes, Lisa-Ann Robinson, Lyndon Williams, Andrew and Chris Issa, Marilyn Bennett, Joan-Marie Powell and Anthony Chang.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com

Dancer Tovah Marie Bembridge, in performance at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) 27th annual dinner and awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Kingston hotel, New Kingston on Thursday, March 12.