MONTEGO BAY, St James - WESTERN Jamaica was full of energy and excitement as friends and families made their way to venues of their choice to ring in 2013.

Patrons were out in their finest at the Seawind Club in the resort city of Montego Bay for the New Year Eve's party dubbed Ocean Style's Sophisticate, which was held at the club's poolside. On entering the venue, guests were pleasantly surprised by a 'human sushi food platter.' Waiters were kept busy serving hors d'oeuvres, while chefs prepared pasta right before their very eyes.

The music had guests dancing and the ambiance was beautiful, setting the tone for a romantic and sexy, yet classy affair.

Editor-in-Chief for Ocean Style Magazine Douglas Gordon says he was quite pleased with how things were going for the event, when he spoke to the Observer West minutes before midnight. "The party is going good so far. I am very happy with the turnout so far, and the food. We are taking baby steps but it is our plan to host this event annually. Our objective is to give guests a great experience so that they will leave very happy, then they will come back and then you add on new elements to make it better and better everytime. This is our main goal," he explained.

CEO of Saints International Deweight Peters, who travelled from Kingston to ring in the new year at Sophisticate, was impressed with the event.

"The ambiance is amazing. It's right by the sea and you feel the sea breeze, the vibe is very intoxicating. I support Douglas in anything he does and he invited me along with some of my international models," he told the Observer West.

Over at the Round Hill Hotel in Hanover, scores of revellers were seen having a good time. At midnight, fireworks illuminated the sky over the resort.

Managing Director for Round Hill Josef Forstmayr said 2012 was a good year, adding that he was looking forward to 2013.

"It has been a wonderful evening and I am encouraged for 2013. I wish for everyone a happy and prosperous new year," he remarked.

Canadian Michael McCain, who said he has been ushering the new year at various events in Jamaica for 26 consecutive years, commended Round Hill for staging a wonderful event.

"Round Hill has the best parties in the entire Caribbean. Their parties ring in the new year with style and glamour," he remarked.

At the Sunset Beach Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, hundreds of revellers soaked up the music of Byron Lee's Dragonaires and enjoyed a wide array of dishes and drink, as they ushered in 2013.

Other New Year's Eve parties across western Jamaica included Parfume held at Bluebeat in Montego Bay; Jade held at the Montego Bay Yacht Club; Twist at Pier 1 in Montego Bay, and an All White Affair held at the recently opened Don Way Jamaican Village, also in that resort city.