Two couples considered to be part of the ‘elite’ society in Jamaica, experienced the recent Dîner en Blanc in Miami last December and are currently planning to host the event in Jamaica on March 7, 2015. This is worrying and exciting at the same time. Jamaicans hardly get things right, especially the first time, in terms of organization and flawless execution of events. Already, persons’ credit cards have been compromised from paying for the event online, seeing purchases on their credit cards in London (Yes 1000s of pounds!), Spain and Russia. This was not due to fault of the organizers, but given Touchstone’s negative reputation with another major event, perhaps another ticketing website should have been used. Persons have expressed that the really sad thing is that companies like Touchstone make it hard on Jamaica. Clearly cutting corners on international secure payment standards for this to happen twice or more on the same site, which has relatively low traffic is simply reckless. Now any payment platform developed in Jamaica will have it hard. Quite unfortunate for the promoters, especially with our backward banks who most times do not have a simple or fast enough resolution, even for obviously fraudulent transactions.

With regards to other aspects of registration, registration to Le Dîner en Blanc Kingston took place in 3 phases:

Phase 1: Close friends of the organization and Leaders

Phase 2: Friends recommended during the Phase 1 registration process

Phase 3: Guests who signed up to the waiting list

All noting that seats are limited and are distributed on a first come, first serve basis, or so they say. The ‘Friendship’ promotion was definitely adhered to.

Breakdown for Jamaica’s Le Dîner en Blanc:

– Participation fee: $4,000JMD per person (You get a bottle of wine & water)

(Tickets must be bought in a pair, only ONE pair can be bought by each person)

– Table, chair and tablecloth rental (mandatory): $750.00JMD per person.

-Additional bottles of wine, champagne and catered picnic boxes available from E-Store only. None will be allowed into the venue.

*Spaces will not be secured until all payments made.

*Payments can be made offline at Bill Express or select Mail Pac locations. Payments online have currently been suspended, understandably so.

– Venue will be revealed a few hours before dinner, but Jamaican people can chaaaaaaat. Good luck with the ‘Secrecy’ promotion.

The concept of dressing in all white, drinking only wine and champagne, socialising with the who’s who of society and dancing the night away will be kept. Thus so will the promotion of ‘Joie de Vivre (The joy of living)’ and ‘Magic’. However, the price has doubled or tripled the Le Dîner en Blanc, Miami depending on your taste in and consumption of liquor. Le Dîner en Blanc, Miami costed $35USD and that would cover the night. In order to become a member and be invited to another Le Dîner en Blanc, persons would pay an extra $5USD. So the participation fee correlates, but persons cannot be trusted to carry their own French bread and gourmet food? There goes the picnic concept. A list of options from which to purchase food or suggested dishes or food items to carry could be given instead of locking persons into eating Chicken and Noodles. No offence to the renowned Chefs chosen. It is believed they had to work with ingredients supplied by sponsors. After all, the choice of gourmet food should include something French paying homage to where it all began. There goes the ‘Heritage’ promotion or perhaps ours is common fowl. Persons will also further be restricted since they cannot carry their own wine. Everything has been left to an E-store at your fingertips. Word is they desired uniformity overall, but the part of the event that promotes ‘Effort’ has gone out the window. Also questioning your household income when registering. Why? Will they be seating persons accordingly? If so, there goes the ‘Ethics and Values’ promotion.

Clearly the more humble portion of the concept has changed. Persons are expected to buy or rent everything. It is giving the impression that it may be a money-making event and/or promotion for sponsors.

Suga thinks a somewhat decent evening will subside from a chaotic start.