The glitz and glam of cigarette holders, tasselled mini dresses, bobbed hair, sharp suits and tipped hats flooded Hanover’s Round Hill Hotel & Villas last week Saturday. These relics of a long-gone era of self-indulgence, the Roaring Twenties, were the mood of the 61st staging of the much-anticipated Sugar Cane Ball. The guest list spanned the likes of Round Hill villa owners and fashion designer Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky, who were honoured at the event for their over-four-decade-long contributions to Jamaican development. They were gifted with local artwork and, in the absence of Prime Minister Andrew Holness ­— a letter — presented on his behalf by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett:

“Your commitment and deep love for this country is truly outstanding. For 40 years, you have kept this island as part of your consciousness and eventually made it part of your home. “We agree that the warmth of the sun is really matched by the warmth of our people and we know that forms a core part of your reasons for coming back again and again.

“We appreciate your connection to Jamaica which has led you to consistently give back to its development. This indeed is the spirit of charity which can be seen in your involvement in countless initiatives geared towards education and health care.

“Additionally, brand Jamaica has benefitted tremendously from your support and continued work here. Undoubtedly, the framing of your spring collection from your Round Hill Villa will only propel the island farther as a prominent destination.

“On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, thank you for all that you continue to do for this country.”

— Prime Minister Andrew Holness