Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO)

Christine Wong (left), general manager of King Pepper – manufacturers of the Eaton’s line of products, discusses one of her products with Usain Bolt (2nd right), while Sancia Bennett Templer (2nd left), president of Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI/JAMPRO) and Michael Stern (right) look on. The occasion was the “Best of Brand Jamaica” reception, which was held by Bolt in association with JTI/JAMPRO at the Gran Bahia Principe hotel in St. Ann on December 4.

World and Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt recently teamed up with Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI/JAMPRO) to stage the “Best of Brand Jamaica” reception on December 4 at the Gran Bahia Principe Hotel in Runaway Bay, St. Ann.

The reception, which was a precursor to Bolt’s 9.58 Super Party held at Richmond Estate on December 5, cast an impressive spotlight on exquisite Jamaican fine art, creative fashion designs and high quality processed goods. The exhibit was clearly a source of delight for the mix of local and international celebrities from the realms of sports and entertainment, government officials and members of the local and foreign press.

Sancia Bennett Templer, President of JTI/JAMPRO, stated that Usain Bolt’s “bold energy” captures the essence of Brand Jamaica, and the agency was currently seeking to build a relationship that would leverage the star athlete’s image and international appeal in the promotion of Brand Jamaica.

"From our standpoint at Jamaica Trade and Invest, we regard a brand association with Usain Bolt as an importance alliance to tell the full story about Jamaica," said Bennett Templer.

The participating artists from the Visual and Performing Arts Jamaica (VPAJ) Cluster, who mounted some 30 pieces of floral, cultural and abstract art, were Alphanso Blake, Sharon Fox-Mould, Viv Logan, Kay Sullivan, Betty Glanville, Jack Allen, Ewan McAnuff, Rohan Woodhouse and Sonia Richards. Pulse models struck fierce poses in the best of local couture from the Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster. The exhibition was rounded out by lifestyle and apparel products, gifts and craft, and a range of excellent food and beverage exports.

Sprint sensation Usain Bolt (centre) basks in the company of these Pulse models dressed in couture created by members of the Fashion and Apparel Cluster of the Private Sector Development Programme (PSDP) at the Best of Brand Jamaica reception staged recently by Bolt and Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI/JAMPRO).

The evening’s entertainment featured a performance by songstress Denyque, who was joined by Bolt himself on stage. A dance move or two was always on the cards, as Bolt lip-synched to the songs of Michael Jackson and US hip-hop artist Ludacris. The latter made his presence felt at the event, and local acts like Ce’Cile, Christopher Martin and D-Major were also on hand to party with Bolt.

The Sunday Herald
Pure Class
December 13, 2009