Celebration filled the air on Tuesday as team members of the Jamaica Observer enjoyed the festivities associated with the commemoration of the company’s 30th year of publication.

Founding editor Desmond Allen, now executive editor – special assignments, was overjoyed with milestone accomplished.

“Being that I was there from day one, and seeing all of what has happened over the years, is very special,” he said, adding that the newspaper had come a far way in establishing itself as a media entity of great integrity.

Senior Associate Editor – News Pete Sankey, who came on board 1995, shared that he couldn’t imagine himself being at another company.

“While there have been lows — sometimes long hours which cause you to go home when your kids are sleeping and then they leave early for school — the highs I would not give up any other company for the Observer right now,” he said. “I wish the company many more years,” he said, citing that the mix of youth and experience will augur well for the entity’s success over the next 30 years.

To mark the occasion, a few local acts were on location helping to celebrate with the team members. Among the performers taking the anniversary stage were Chi Ching Ching, D’Angel, Ding Dong, and members of Voicemail.

Chi Ching Ching had the Observer family singing along to hit after hit, and Ding Dong brought the dance frenzy.

D’Angel had rapt attention on the party stage as she gave special attention to some of the team members to build the energy.

DJ Bambino, of sister radio station Fyah 105FM, along DJ Brush1, held the party vibes pumping for the early afternoon shindig at the Beechwood Avenue headquarters. DJ Rich Rocc and Lizzerz, from The EDGE 105FM, brought the fun with musical stylings and a raft of giveaways.

Property department team member Sandra Small, who has served some 25 years, could not contain her joy.

“It is great! Today was good and I enjoyed every bit of it,” she said.

Senior Sales Executive Terry-Ann Gordon, a 16-year Observer staffer, shared that she is happy to be a part of the company as it is family-oriented.

“I feel great and I am honoured to be part of 30 years. It feels like family here. We have had our ups and downs, but we have weathered the storm and I am looking forward to another 30 years,” she said.

Online Reporter Candice Haughton, a self-described newbie of two years, shared that she was delighted to celebrate the incredible milestone of the company.

“As someone who has worked hard to become a journalist and is now working for the best news media, the Observer, I am extremely happy to witness the celebration of a legacy that is dedicated to informing the public with factual information,” she said.

Sunday Observer reporter Romardo Lyons, amid the party scene on Tuesday, said, ” It feels good to be a part of the 30th celebration. I have been here about two years and completing my article for the anniversary supplement to hit the streets this Sunday was an interesting experience, because it allowed me to learn more about the company. I hope to be here for many more years pushing on the legacy of greatness.”

The first edition of the Observer hit the streets on March 7, 1993 as a weekly publication after months of planning and preparation at its then offices on Fagan Avenue in the Grant’s Pen community.

After going to a twice-weekly publication in June 1993, the Observer went daily on December 11, 1994.