Vivian Richards knows his boundaries - Johnnie Walker continues to promote responsible drinking

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

On Friday night, Johnnie Walker and Sir Vivian Richards made yet another effort to spread the concept of responsible drinking, this time with the staging of an elegant party at the Terra Nova All Suite Hotel in St Andrew.

At 8:30 p.m., the spirit of elegance and music courtesy of DJ Sanjay of Coppershot were already in full effect.

The organisers had encouraged elegant dressing, and the patrons who were present didn't disappoint.

They posed for the numerous camera personnel at the venue who wanted to capture the moment.

DJ Sanjay turned up the musical selection a notch at 9 p.m., pulling out Maxi Priest and Ziggy Marley selections. The move increased the energy at the event as patrons rocked and sang their way to the bar, taking turns at tasting the liquor on offer.

The Johnnie Walker campaign tag line is "Be a Giant. Don't Drink and Drive", and at some minutes after 9 p.m., the responsible- drinking ambassador, Sir Vivian Richards, walked into the venue.

The welcome he received was fit for a giant. Richards walked in in the company of Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange, who gave kudos to Diageo - parent company of Johnnie Walker - for advocating responsible drinking.

According to Grange, the choice of Richards as the ambassador to take the idea of responsible drinking around the world was perfect.

Grange was also presented a with a cricket bat, autographed by Sir Vivian.

Importance of responsibility

Sir Vivian gave a pointed speech about the importance of responsible drinking, saying he had always regarded the man with the stick on the Johnnie Walker bottle as being a "cool dude".

He pointed out that even though the intention is always to have a good time, one must always be cognisant that responsible drinking should be exercised. He also encouraged the listeners to step up to the challenge and be giants.

Managing director of Red Stripe, Al Barnes, said that responsible drinking was key for Diageo. According to Barnes, it was important that people enjoy the brand in a responsible manner and that alcohol have a positive impact on society, and that people have a good time without the negatives that come from irresponsible behaviour.

He also said that Sir Vivian was a respected and responsible member of society, and represented the values of the company well.

"We hope to get awareness leading to action as it relates to people consuming alcohol in a responsible way," he told The Gleaner.

The event came to a close with a performance by Wayne Marshall, who performed songs from his catalogue including Overcome, Marshall in Town, My Heart, and Good Ol' Wife.