St Ann was bubbling with parties, balls, quiet family events and of course church services on New Year’s Eve. The streets of major towns were filled with people, many well dressed and going to their events, while near midnight uniformed hotel staff were seen going to and from work, with many resorts putting on something special for their guests. As North Coast Times took to the streets of Ocho Rios, dozens of people were out and the roadway in the town centre was clogged with taxis and buses and jerk pans and pots on the sidewalk and in the streets.
One of the biggest church services that attracted people of all ages was at the Bethel Tabernacle United Pentecostal, James Avenue, Ocho Rios. The church was packed with people standing, crammed in at the front, and the church yard too was full with the overflow onto the street. At midnight, pastor Ogarth McKoy made a passing reference to the New Year as he continued his message and call for people to consider what will happen to their souls.
A section of the congregation at Bethel Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church
(and) Pastor Ogarth McKoy giving a call to repentance
The Ocho Rios Mennonite Church on Evelyn Street also had a service with a smaller gathering and, when we got there a few minutes into the New Year, some young men were still making music from the instruments near the altar and people were greeting each other.
(Greetings after service at Ocho Rios Mennonite Church)
The Ocho Rios Baptistt Church also had a large number of worshippers welcoming in the New Year. Their service included baptism, that the pastor said was an expression of faith.
(A message in song before the start of New year’s Baptism at Ocho Rios Baptist Church
Out on the streets there was music a plenty.
At Evita’s, several families together welcomed in the New Year, with music and fine dining.
(Eva Myers poses with one of the leaders of the St Ann community, Kumar Sujanani out with many family members)
Sandals Grande Riviera rang in the New Year in fine style, with an exciting countdown show at the resort. There were performances from Silver Birds Steel Drum Orchestra, Heat Band and Sapphire who delivered the countdown show. The resort also unveiled a culinary fiesta of dishes from around the world, including Japanese, Italian, Caribbean and much more, to guests spread across the lawn of the hillside section of the property. Champagne and premium liquor flowed abundantly all night.
General manager Brian Roper and his management team were on hand to ensure that guests were feted in fine style. Over at Beaches Ocho Rios and Sandals Royal Plantation, guests were also entertainment with a number of special events to mark the occasion.
(Revelers dance early into New Year to the disco with Radcliffe Vaz, of Sandals Entertainment at the controls
