JAMAICANS FROM ALL walks of life converged on to various locations in and around the Corporate Area to ring in the new year on Wednesday night.

Many persons ventured to locations such as the Kingston Waterfront, Jonkunoo Lounge at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, the Grand Ball Room at the Pegasus, Mas Camp Village on Oxford Road and at various churches and streetside dances.

All the available crevices and corners leading to the Kingston Waterfront that could facilitate parking were occupied last Wednesday evening as Jamaicans from various parts of the country made their way to the Downtown community, which was buzzing with activity. The main attraction which made the huge congregation stood their ground was the annual and now popular fireworks show. Another attraction that also clung on to the audiences' attention span and just would not let go were performances by Tanto Metro and Devonte, Luciano, Admiral Bailey, Beenie Man and others, with the Ruff Kut Band providing the backing music.

Six minutes before the new year, Beenie Man requested that all lights were turned off. He then asked those in the audience with lighters to light them and those with cell phones to turn them on as he did a rendition of Bob Marley's Redemption Song. He departed making way for the new year countdown and later a "glorious display of firework orchestry" as described by radio personality and the show's MC, Jerry Davy.

Describing the fireworks show, which was witnessed by thousands of Jamaicans, as being merely spectacular would do injustice to what really took place. A more appropriate way to describe what really happened is to incorporate a number of adjectives that are similar in meaning to spectacular.

At the Hilton the patrons at the Snow & Glow Party, which was held in the Jonkunoo Lounge, rung in the new year with a slow display and music. The atmosphere was a bit reserved. However, some persons soon took to the limited space that was afforded for dancing, while others sat at their table and enjoyed their choice beverage.

Further down the road at the Jamaica Pegasus, patrons were getting their monies worth. They were treated to a gala buffet style dining and complementary champagne at midnight. They were also treated to excellent performances from Marcia Griffiths, LUST and others who combined to give the patrons an evening of tropical elegance. The decorations and the food contributed fabulously to create the tropical elegance that was intended by the show's promoters.

All in all most persons left these luxurious and moderate venues after midnight and made their way to 47 Spanish Town Road where Passa Passa, which is presently Jamaica's biggest streetside show, was in full swing.