The 45 United Kingdom travel agents, dressed as pirates, and their hosts are in a jubilant mood just before the start of the pirates and wenches party at Sunset Jamaica Grande, Sunday November 23. - Contributed

OCHO RIOS, St Ann:

Just when we thought the days of piracy were long gone, just over 50 'pirates' and 'wenches' suddenly took over the north coast.

Two Sundays ago, these modern-day 'pillagers', mostly United Kingdom (UK) travel agents, were dressed to the nines in real-life pirates' and wenches' clothes.

The agents, who frolicked and basked in the hospitality of Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Golf Club for the weekend, were bussed to Sunset Jamaica Grande, in Ocho Rios, for a pirate-themed party, which culminated a weekend of activities.

They were in St Ann for the 2008 Jamaica Jamboree, under the theme, "Once you go, you know", organised by the Jamaica Tourist Board in collaboration with British Airways and Breezes Superclubs.

At Jamaica Grande, the revellers were met by members of the sales team, who were also dressed in pirate-influenced outfits.

Site inspection

After a brief site inspection, they were officially welcomed by Charmaine Deane, director of sales administration, Sunset Resorts.

However, it was the master of ceremonies, the effervescent Eladio Garth, entertainment manager, Sunset Jamaica Grande, who set the pace for a fast-moving evening of excitement.

Guests were treated to a scrumptious buffet in a most sumptuous setting overlooking the Caribbean Sea, as the orange flames of a bonfire on the beach danced ferociously to the music of the strong, cool breezes.

It was indeed a 'Grande' affair for the agents, who were on a familiarisation tour with the intention of promoting Kingston as a gateway to Jamaica's north coast from the United Kingdom.

The pirates competed in a group-dancing contest, scavenger hunt, treasure chest hunt, a pop quiz, and were given reggae dance lessons.

The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the prize to the top group, as the agents were divided into nine groups of five, each group representing a UK travel operator. Prizes were also given to the winners of the pop quiz and for best pirate and wench costumes.

After kicking up a dancing storm, it was back to Breezes Runaway Bay to spend their final super-inclusive night.

Also in attendance were Patricia Clarke, public relations manager, Breezes Runaway Bay Resort and Gulf Club; Torrance Lewis, United Kingdom district manager, Jamaica Tourist Board London office; Donovan Donaldson, southern United Kingdom sales representative, Jamaica Tourist Board; Claudia Cole, sales representative, Jamaica Tourist Board, Montego Bay office; and Charmaine Tyndale, sales manager, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios.

- Paul H. Williams