Assamba knew she could rest easy because there was minimal damage to most of the hotels. As a matter of fact most show no signs of such a destructive hurricane that wreaked havoc on so many families. Of the many hotels I stopped into from Kingston, Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Montego Bay, Negril, and St. Elizabeth, only Rick’s Café standout as a victim. The popular spot where tourists enjoyed spirited conversations, memorable sunset dusks and the friendliest personalities is now a pile of rubble. Hopefully the owners will rebuild so that divers can once again enjoy the unique hang and sing Johnny Nash’s hit, “I Can See Clearly Now.”

WHEN I’M WITH YOU – Roberta Flack seemed enamored with Tony Terry who accompanied her for a revisit to Jamaica last week. Invited for the half century celebrations of the Half Moon Golf & Resort here, Flack hugged and kissed her accompanying singer though duets that the special guests repeated in tune. Terry who was signed to Epic Records took the mic for a solo showcase and sang his hit track “When I’M With You.” Terry looks bulkier than ever. Seems the brutha been working out. And he is no longer blonde. He is now tall, dark and handsome.

KILLING ME SOFTLY – Miss Flack reprised many of her hits. She gave it up for the Fugees who she said kicked “Killing Me Softly” into the 21 st century. She took the hit track to Brazil to add samba. And with Terry tempered the light drizzle with “Tonight I Celebrate My Love For You.” Prime Minister P.J. Patterson lingered long on the lawn talking with Governor General Sir Howard Cooke and other luminaries. Third World founder Cat Coore and Bunny Rugs also checked in the r&b diva. The lady to introduce Susan Couch and Roberta Flack was Fae Ellington. She drove in from Kingston with just a tad amount of time to spare before she prettied up to call on the ladies.

NOW THAT WE FOUND LOVE – It seems New Yorkers get to see the group Third World more often than Jamaicans. As drummer Ruption displayed his best for his home town, I heard many second city residents remark that it was a long time since they had seen the group. I recalled when the group used to close every Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall during the early years. But I guess things have changed and Third World may now be far more committed to international gigs. I understand audiences in the capital did see the group back in August when they played a special return date after missing the initial independence gig. In any case, Ruption ruled on drums. He was definitely the standout musician. Though Coore’s dad looked with pride as his guitarist son blazed another classic trail. Herbie Harris patterned Daddy-O’s rhymes through keyboard medleys. He too carried the name to further glory. Their repertoire seemed to please everyone who packed into the Half Moon Village space where water coconuts, sugar cane, and even a fortune teller created a nice JA atmosphere to the many celebrants of Half Moon’s milestone.

JAMAICA, JAMAICA – Volunteerism is alive and well in Jamaica. Three weeks after Hurricane Ivan eyed the island, many hotels are back to business. Jokes abound about how the reputation of the island made Ivan fear a direct confrontation. The humor prevails that there are folks that would challenge the terror and knock Ivan’s one eye into eternity. With occupancy of some resorts back up to 70 percent visitors can rest easy that all of their attractions are intact. I managed to relax on a tube floating down a river while viewing bamboos along the banks. I enjoyed some of the fruits that make the island special – sweet guineps, sweet sop, jack fruit, and even naseberries. Of course pineapples, watermelons, bananas, apples and grapes are also prevalent. But who wants a routine menu when there are choices like sweet cup, jimbilin, star apple, mackafat, and a whole variety of plums -- coolly plum, red-coat plum, and june plum. And the juices are just as available as the whole fruits. Horseback riding is everywhere. And Appleton Estate opens its doors every day for a tour of their rum plant. Samplings though, are at your own risk. As a matter of fact, a sniff of the rum punch cleared my nasal passage. By the way, look for a special one hour BET presentation of Reggae Sumfest 2004 in Montego Bay. Slated to air this week, Lionel Richie was the headliner for the annual fest. And it seems something is always going on in Jamaica because a Kingston Reunion is now being touted by the Pegasus Hotel. From Oct. 13 to Oct. 20 all university, high schools and the Merritone Family and friends are going to whoop it up in the capital. The Courtleigh, the Jamaica Pegasus, The Hilton Kingston & the Knutsford Court are offering packages that include airfare on Air Jamaica for a fun-filled week. Right after that the World Championship of Dominoes promises another three days of contest and revelry in Kingston. Jamaica is happening again. But it seems the island stopped. I have stories about what transpired when the lights went out. But those are for later when I

…Catch You On The Inside!