Freshers' Fête to celebrate Carib achievements

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Guild of Students is gearing up to host the 2012 Freshers' Fête. According to Guild Culture Arts and Entertainment Chairperson Miguel Reid, this edition of the annual party is a dedication to Caribbean triumph.

Freshers' Fête has developed a reputation for utilising themes geared towards motivating Caribbean integration, and Reid said this year the goal is to step it up a notch.

"The year is Jamaica's 50th celebration. It's a similar vibe in Trinidad; they are celebrating theirs as well, plus we are basking in the Caribbean's success at the recently concluded Olympics in London. So I want to translate all those emotions into one fun-filled Freshers' Fete experience," Reid said.

The event is to be staged on Friday, August 31, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The theme for the party is 'Golden Glow' and Reid believes it embodies the mission of the Caribbean in the wake of its achievements since Independence. "The Golden Glow is to basically draw attention to the fact that the Caribbean has been making steady progress over time, not to only put the light on Jamaica for having several of the fastest athletes in the world. But collectively this year the Caribbean recorded the highest number of medals in the Olympic as a region, by so showing the world that we are capable of posting a real threat, so come next Friday we will be celebrating all our accomplishments," Reid said.

Reid also said there would be prizes available for lucky students on the night, courtesy of the sponsors. Prizes will also be given out via radio stations leading up to the event. "There will be giveaways at intervals during the event, and if potential patrons listen to the radio leading up to the 31st of August, they may get a chance to win complimentary tickets to the event or vouchers courtesy of sponsors," he said.

Freshers' Fête 2012 is sponsored by Appleton Jamaica Rum and patrons will benefit from special deals on drinks. "We encourage all patrons to drink responsibly, and if you are driving home please bring a designated driver. We want all patrons to partake in clean entertainment and also safe travelling to and from the campus" he said.

Tight security

Reid told The Gleaner that officers from the UWI Mona Police Station, as well as other security personnel, would be present on the night. The venue carries a designated parking area. "We place 500 per cent around the security of vehicles and 500 per cent around security of our patrons, so that means that Fresher's Fête is 1,000 per cent secure," Reid said, laughing. He added that an ambulance with required medical personnel would be present at the event all night.

Admission to UWI Freshers' Fête 2012 is $300 presold and $500 at the gate.

"I am looking forward to seeing every single student at Freshers' Fête. It's the first event for the entire year, it's a celebration of ourselves and also an icebreaker for a special entertainment season which is going to unfold this semester," Reid said.

DJs booked to play include ZJ Johnny Kool of Zip FM, Arif Cooper of FAME FM, DJ Rassi from Hot 102 FM and Boom Boom, alongside campus DJs.