There was much trepidation late Wednesday morning as the last bit of silver was placed across wooden tables already covered ever so elegantly with Royal Hut linen. The bar is already set and there are stylish jugs of fresh juices strategically positioned.

With Kingston experiencing torrential rain, there’s much concern that it might threaten the idyllic weather-perfect charm of Goldeneye. Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson is the guest of honour and Island Outpost’s Chris Blackwell the host.

The rains and mist had in fact provided a suitably enchanting backdrop Tuesday night at the Virgin Atlantic Strawberry Hilloween, but the visiting journalists and Branson team could well be forgiven for wanting to experience just a little bit of sunshine ahead of their scheduled departure out of Montego Bay.

The sun that had seemingly disappeared struggles to regain its position of dominance in the mass of pale-blue sky. It continues to hold its own, however, and the slight breeze does its part in keeping the rains away. Brian Jobson along with his brother Native Wayne are in the control room and the sound is mellow.

It’s an intimate, comfortable affair and so guests enjoy the beauty of the property (the sea dazzles ahead), the fabulous bar concoctions as well as the musical journey that takes them from ska to reggae. The sun has finally found its full rhythm – it’s another glorious day in paradise and the misery of getting out of Kingston is now a distant memory.

Branson arrives, as do Chris Blackwell and Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart. The formidable trio have a lot in common and are more than happy to catch up and contemplate even more possibilities.

Blackwell is, we glean, all set to launch a new rum, and Blackwell Fine Rum is a possible name. “I’ve always thought that a really dark rum would do well,” he opines. “This one has a coconut bouquet and we’ve got to launch it here first and get everyone as excited about it as we already are. there has to be authenticity.” Mmm. Blackwell and rum.

Branson is as gracious as he is successful, making himself accessible to all and removing himself as elegantly as he attaches himself to a group. He joins the buffet line with his friend Butch in tow and together they sample the fare.

There’s a lot to enjoy: Grilled tenderloin of beef drizzled with Goldeneye sauce, James Bond jerk chicken with a spicy jerk sauce, grilled lobster tail with garlic butter, Spanish Basmati rice, Busha Browne Jerk lamb on the spit, vegetarian patty, salads and hot vegetables. There’s dessert too, including a truly memorable carrot cake.