Left: The fabulous Kareen Ricketts, lead singer of PACE band. Right: Berl Francis, thenew director of communications in the Ministry of Tourism, looks great.

Left: Narda Staub cuts a fine figure in the all white affair. Right: Lee-Anne Godfrey (left), one of the industry's youngest hotel general managers, and her corporate communications manager, Naomi Garrick.

WESTERN BUREAU:

An Asian-inspired temple decor greeted guests at the Sandals Resorts International's private island, Sandals Cay, on Tuesday night.

This was the precursor to the parties and the Gordon 'Butch' Stewart-led team wasn't about to allow the captive audience of visiting tour operators, travel agents and local tourism stakeholders to forget the Jamaica Product Exchange (JaPEx) 2009.

A white-attire affair, complemented by 'fantasy girls', the all-inclusive giants laid out a red carpet at their Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort welcoming guests. But it was the Indonesian village, with floating fiery logs in the middle of the Caribbean Sea that caused eyes to pop.

Renowned for their expertise in hosting events, the hotel chain showcased Jamaica's food, music and dances to those who journeyed on the boats to the island party. An array of food - shrimp, lobster, conch, crab mixed with jerked pork, chicken - premium brand liquor and top-class entertainment completed the package.

Clearly not a night designed for speeches, it was the spine-tingling musical renditions from the inimitable Pace band that had the feet moving on the dance floor.

The verdict is out! Montego Bay, the 'complete resort' has taken over the party scene in Jamaica!

One thing is for sure, Sandals outdid themselves this time around.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett (left), and Sandals Resort International chairman, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, in conversation.

Round Hill's Omar Robinson and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's Camille Needham in a lively discussion.

Digicel's Jason Corrigan (left) and Niall Sheehy (right) had the ears of Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association president, Wayne Cummings.

Gail Jackson of Negril Tree House Hotel rented her own spot on the dance floor.

From left: Digicel's Dwayne Bennett, Sandals Resorts' Marsha-Anne Brown and the Jamaica Tourist Board's Mark McDermott have lots to laugh about.

From left: Grand Palladium Resort's team, Josinho Caneiro, Sonia Rickards, Jackie Brodber and Barry Dodd are having a great time at the Japex party.

Beaches Sandy Bay's Brian Sang and Sunset Resorts' Charmaine Dean create waves at the party.