Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
At left: These extraterrestrial beings seem quite friendly. From left: Wayne Lawrence, Maxine Whittingham, Karen Felicia Brown and Mark McKenzie, dressed as The Disciple, Queen Amidala, Princesss Leia and Han Solo, respectively.
At Right: Natives (from left) Raquel Phillpots, Camille Harker, Zahra Small, Tamia Harker, Mishka Myrie and Shauna Barrett welcomed the Earthling visitors to Red Stripe Galactica on Planet Nibiri at the Red Stripe Superstakes.
ON SATURDAY, guests of 'The World's Coolest Beer Company' learnt that Red Stripe is the coolest not only on Earth, but also on other planetary bodies in the universe! This year Red Stripe took the annual Superstakes out of this world, and embarked on an interplanetary odyssey, taking their major customers and business associates to Red Stripe Galactica on Planet Nibiri. Nibiri was located on the in-field of Caymanas Park and it was there that the Galactica festivities materialised.
Before departure for Nibiri, guests stopped at the Red Stripe headquarters where they were given survival kits and briefed on the day's activities. Managers and executives presented themselves dressed as characters from the popular science fiction series Star Wars and Star Trek.
General manager of Red Stripe Jamaica, Mark McKenzie, dressed as the galaxy pilot in Star Wars, Han Solo, asserted his position as Commander of the Millennium Falcon, the spacecraft that would be transporting a select few to Nibiri. The Disciple, Wayne Lawrence in costume, joined him in welcoming the visitors before initiating the countdown, and advised those who navigated their own spacecraft "don't fly and drive".
Five - four - three - two - one ... blast off! And the earthlings took the plunge into the unexpected. They soon found themselves in a strange yet wonderful land, where the Red Stripe beer flowed freely (and other beverages too, but those were peripheral) and the food was unlimited. Once the visitors were settled, master of ceremonies Simon Crosskill welcomed them in his usual witty manner and presided over his first duty as MC - officiating the 'Best Dressed' competition. Six persons contested the title and though none conformed to the 'alien' dress code, all were stylishly clad in - red and white.
CRYSTAL BALL
The title went to Ambassador Madge Barrett, who won over the audience with her full red outfit with matching broad-rimmed hat. At the same time, the races went on and some even consulted the crystal ball on Nibiri to select their bets. The entertainment, however, was not limited only to the excitement of the races or the banter of the MC. Roots Underground, a promising young band, gave an energetic performance and was followed by songstress Alaine, who performed a couple of her popular hits. Gyptian reminded the visitors that back on Earth Jamaicans were facing some Serious Times and gave a tribute to his Mamma which had the audience begging for an encore.
Of course, he obliged and artfully delivered a few more songs before leaving the stage. The Red Stripe Super Dancers, whose innovative dance moves attested to the 'coolness' of the company they represented, delivered the most striking performance of all. Their choreography was a refreshing change from the mundane routines that some dancers often give. But the fun did not stop there! Simon Crosskill delighted the Earthlings with several giveaways of Red Stripe memorabilia and cash vouchers which, for some, probably made up for losses made on the betting.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. So after the final race, the Earthlings bade planet Nibiri goodbye, mounted their pods and spacecrafts, and returned to their home planet to tell tales of the land of unlimited beer.
