February half term means another spectacular Sigma Pharmaceuticals Annual conference. I always look forward to this event as it is like being at home away from home. All the delegates and their families, as well as attending the actual conference business sessions, are looking to have a wonderful time and meeting the usual and also new people. This year was no different; whichever direction you turned, a familiar, friendly face could be seen.
One was none other than Mr CB Patel, the editor, whom I met at the airport on the way back home from Jamaica. He presented me with the task of writing an article that would reflect my experience of Jamaica, and although I have never written a news piece before, I decided to honour his request.
This year was the 8th year of the annual Sigma conference. The theme was ‘Working to Win’, which in itself was a strong and motivating message. We were jetting off to an amazing dream destination, Jamaica. There are two key things about Jamaica that I have taken back with me, the first of which is the weather! Although there were doubts as to whether we would witness the Caribbean climate or if we would bring the British showers with us, we were pleasantly greeted to the glorious sunshine. Each day we were there, we would wake up to the glistening sea and stunning scenery.
However, the second and most apparent characteristic of Jamaica was the people. From the Moon Palace Resort staff to the locals that we met outside the hotel, I can sincerely say that they were all the most joyous, amiable and gracious people I had ever come across. If they faced an issue, no matter how big or small, the one phrase you are guaranteed to hear was “no problem!” They took everything in their stride and went beyond their call of duty to satisfy and make sure each person was happy
After the daytime intellectually stimulating conferences sessions, there was time for everyone to unwind at the evening events. Every year the themed nights are exceptional and leave you wondering how they are going to surpass the last one and this year was no different. The events included, Jamaican night, Pirates of the Caribbean and Bollywood night. My sisters and I had the great pleasure of teaching 4 members of the Moon Palace staff a Bollywood dance in a short space of time, which they performed at the Bollywood night. This was definitely a personal highlight of mine, as not only did we have tremendous fun with the lovely and extremely talented entertainment, staff but this also integrated the Indian and Jamaican culture; spreading the Indian culture in Jamaica.
Some of the further entertainment over the nights included; steel bands, pirates, reggae music and live bands. However, my favourite and the most momentous event night, not only this year but over all 8 conferences, had to be Pirates of the Caribbean.
Everything was outstanding, from the jaw-dropping décor to the comical costumes to the live band. Everyone made a huge effort that night to arrive in his or her very own pirate costume, which definitely created a great sense of togetherness. For one night; everyone was in the same boat (quite literally!).
It is extremely challenging to summarise this years Sigma Conference in a few words, so the most appropriate way I can explicate it is through the way I felt when I returned home. I had a knot in my stomach, the feeling of being homesick. That feeling in itself, to me, explains how much of a phenomenal time I had and wish I could go back with each and every single person that came.
Bring on next year!
[Shayna Mehta is a second year Psychology student studying at Aston University. Her interests include music and travelling. She has been fortunate enough to travel to a variety of countries, some of which include, India, USA, Maldives, Thailand etc. allowing her to experience different types of cultures.]
