Oasis on the Oxford opens for business
Published:Sunday | August 7, 2011 | 12:00 AM
The NATIONAL colours - black, green and gold - created a fitting theme for the pre-Emancipation Day opening of Oasis on the Oxford, the re-energised multi-purpose business venture operated by Owen and Lorraine Clunie. Friends, relatives and business partners turned out for the official opening last Sunday.
The New Kingston complex comprises Elegant Weddings, the Pink Snapper Restaurant and Thirsty Man Irish-themed pub. The Clunies will continue to offer wedding and event-planning services, catering for special events and expand into the bar operations.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who cut the ribbon to officially open the facility, noted his pleasure to see the expanded venture.
"I am pleased with the new energy and encourage others to follow this trend. Small investments, such as this one, have a greater impact on the economy if managed well; they create a better proportion of jobs and we need to encourage them," he said.
The prime minister, in pledging his support for the business, said the Government needs to create an environment that facilitates similar businesses. He congratulated the owners for the business that had been "stress-tested and well executed", and encouraged them to continue to offer excellent service.
Marcia Reid-Grant, assistant general manager, retail banking division, the National Commercial Bank (NCB), noted that the Clunies' 14-year relationship with the bank was characterised by resilience, innovation, flexibility and the drive to never roll over and die in the face of the odds.
Supporting small businesses
"NCB is committed to building a better Jamaica, one small and medium enterprise at a time. The needs of the sector are unique and we take them very seriously," she said.
Also speaking at the opening, Colm Delves, chief executive officer, Digicel Group (that assisted with the Irish-themed décor), offered congratulations on the new venture and Canon Ernle Gordon blessed the new premises. Owen and Lorraine Clunie gave a brief overview of the journey to the present and singled out all the persons and organisations that helped to make it a reality. They were particularly thankful to their team of support staff for their hard work and dedication.
The brief formalities were chaired by Fabian Brown. And the evening ended with lavish helpings of plantain chips, jerked pork, hot and spicy chicken, ackee and salt fish with roasted breadfruit and janga soup, plus lots of local desserts.
Among the guests were family members Kevar and Ashley Clunie; Bev Bryan; Dr Fenton Ferguson; Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn; attorney Delano Franklyn; Cliff Hughes and daughter, Jhenelle Hughes; Vernon Ricketts; Orette and his brother, Otis Fisher; Donald and Lorna Smythe; Pat Reid; Junior and Jennifer Carter; O.D. Smith; Justice Margaret Johnson; Lorna Clarke; Thelma McFarlane; Fitzy and Patrick Boothe; Henry Allen and son Jason and niece Andréa; SSP Radcliff Lewis;