IOSCO participants revel in island vibes
ON TUESDAY, approximately 325 participants of the 42nd Annual Conference of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), made their way down the cobblestoned pathway that led to the errie mansion of Annie Palmer – dubbed in history as the White Witch of Rose Hall. The old mansion glowed in pink and blue lights adding a magical feel to the night.
Across from the mansion on the damp lawns of the Rose Hall Great House, the participants poured into the white tent that was immaculately decorated and glowed from iridescent lights. Lively conversations buzzed over glasses of wine as the participants indulged in mouthwatering callaloo patties in puff pastries; smoked marlin and cream cheese; and green plantain planks. But that was just the beginning of a night of decadence.
The participants received a warm welcome from acting chairman of the financial services commission — Erwin Burton, after which they were invited to dine on finger-licking teriyaki chicken; sweetwood salmon with passion and peppercorn sauce; and curried channa with green peas, to name a few of the delicacies served at the buffet.
Dinner was followed by a one-hour set from Fab 5, who performed crowd favourites, including renditions of the great Bob Marley, along with contemporary hits from artistes such as Black Eye Peas, while the participants jumped and pranced and danced and laughed amid dazzling lights. Some were soaking wet when they left the dance floor. The night ended with the gracious hostesses dressed in white handing them gifts of Rose Hall Rum cakes. The events continued throughout the week with the Grand, Glitter and Grandeur IOSCO dinner at the Hyatt Ziva on Thursday night.