It is that time again that I tell you of a great event, the JGHS Class of 88 and friend Reunion. This event took place in the beautiful City of Montego Bay, Jamaica between October 14-18, 2022. But for me and my husband it started on October 12, 2022. We started off driving through MoBay, St. James, stopped at the border of Hanover and Westmoreland to get some food, bwoy the soup was good. We were hoping to get some ackee and saltfish with roasted breadfruit , but had to settle for the soup. Then on to Negril where we spent a MARVELOUS night at the Negril Tree House hotel. The views did not disappoint at all. We had our own hammock right outside our door overlooking the ocean. If you know me, you know this is close to heaven for me. Dinner was very tasty. Upon waking up we did get some callaloo with roasted breadfruit for breakfast, yummy. We then took the scenic route through seven (7) parishes, (Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Andrew and on to Kingston), stopping along the way for boiled corn, soup, sugar cane, jelly coconut, scenes, views atop Spur Tree Hills and so much more. We stopped for rest at the beautiful AC Hotel by Marriott. The night life was awesome in the lobby, locals milling around eating, drinking and just enjoying each other’s company. Dinner was on point in the hotel restaurant, a bit pricey but worth it.
Now let me get into the business at hand, lawk!!
Friday: Everyone journeyed to Jonathan Grant High School to start the reunion. There was praise and worship devotion before we got started. This devotion brought us full circle to when we were students at the school. The graduating class of 1988, with friends from other graduating years, family and friends raised a total of JA$648,400.00 in scholarship funds to help 160 students pay for their CSEC exams. This was presented to our principal. We stayed at the school for some well needed mentorship sessions with the students who were the recipients of the scholarship. I felt such pride knowing that I am a product of JGHS. Snacks, fruit and water was provided for all in attendance. We then journeyed down to MoBay to Riu MoBay where the fund started after a little hiccup with checking in, everything would not be right if there was no hiccup, right… Friday evening the “young’ people came out in their 80s disco fit. Lawks, the shocking/neon colors were bright and who wasn’t in neon was dressed to the nine. A great time was had by all. Ok ok, come gwope to unno room, it late. More to do on Saturday.
Saturday: Some people stayed at the hotel and enjoyed the day’s events during the day, water slides, pool party, etc. While some went to visit family, and some went to get the venue ready for the night event. There was an incident by the waterslide at the hotel, but God was in the vessel for protection. The “Bringing Back to the 80s” Dinner and Dance, sell right off. Let me tell you, the ladies and gentlemen came out in their big hair, big heel shoes, fancy dresses, neon colors, one lady was even called the “pimp of the night”, ok yes, it was me. The music was on point with 80s beats, the food was delicious, the decor, the venue, Everything was amazing. Then after the 80s dinner and dance, some people went to the disco upon arriving back at the hotel.
Sunday: We started out with praise and worship on the beach. Testimonies were shared, praises went up to God for so many different things. Then, it was a chill at the hotel kind of day. We played board games, (dominos, ludi & Jenga), water balloons popped on unsuspecting persons, (it was cold mi nah lie, but so much fun), in came the towels to dry off the board game soaked with water, then right back to the games we went. We played pool volleyball and some people got their balls served to them by a group of ladies. Evening came and everyone came back down for dinner.
Monday Hero’s Day: Mama, let me tell yu, the beach day turn right ova. We went to the beach in Trelawny for the day. Music, games, race on the beach (big belly man race, ladies race, special Olympic race) I won’t say who won, all I will say is people came away with scrapes and bruises. We went to the beach without food but left full, thanks to the people who went and bought KFC for all of us. Some of us bought bun and cheese (the lady who was selling the bun and cheese even ran out and had to call someone to bring more), sky juice (yes, the real thing with shaved ice, syrup and lime juice), soup, juice and other goodies from the local vendors on the beach. As for me, I rode a jet ski for the first time and it was AWESOME. It is a definite do again for me. Other ladies also rode jet ski, two of whom showed their skills and were their own drivers (not sure if that’s the term) but they did their thing, way to go ladies!!
Here comes Tuesday: Everyone had to check out of the hotel and say our goodbyes until next time. Overall, this reunion, I believe, was the best. The food at the hotel was good, the hotel activities (night and day events) were good. But the reunion events planned were well put together. Thank you to the committee body, the people who had helped to organize whatever area/s you organized and everyone in attendance who made this event a memorial event.
Until the next reunion, walk good, look out for the mad people in clean clothes, stay blessed and safe.