The glam quotient of the M-Style-designed Rock Steady ballroom at the AC Hotel in Kingston was upped Saturday last when the Caribbean’s leading seafood outlet celebrated its 25th anniversary.

The uber-chic gala, which commenced with cocktails followed by a delectable three-course dinner and segued into the highly anticipated awards ceremony, was attended by over 600 employees from across the region. Spotlighted were long-serving team members, outstanding performers of the year and recipients of special awards.

Brian Jardim, Rainforest Caribbean CEO, was effusive in his praise of his dream team. “We have had a tough couple of years, but as we say, tough times don’t last, tough people do, and I think the Rainforest team more than exemplified that… Throughout the setbacks, we have grown and by double digits.

“My favourite saying of all is ‘teamwork makes the dream work,’ and tonight we are watching the teamwork that has made the dream work. We are very grateful that 25 years later we have seen the dream become a reality; we can see how it has changed lives. We will continue to take the brand to the next level, to do the right thing, as well as keep our customers close to our hearts. The aphorism ‘A rising tide lifts all boats’ is our mandate and guiding principal. Tonight I would like to say to you all, thank you for the teamwork and thank you for making the dream work.”

The evening’s formalities were handled with aplomb by attorney-at-law and media personality Khadine “Miss Kitty” Hylton and wrapped with a surprise guest performance by reggae star Romain Virgo.

Wednesday Social shares highlights of the Rainforest Caribbean team members who copped awards for long service and outstanding performances of the year.