Shades nightclub in Ocho Rios, St Ann, perhaps Jamaica's longest-running exotic nightclub is not for the faint-hearted. The steamy, raunchy, after-dark action will make even the most seasoned eyes pop, and jaws are sure to drop. Shades has been in operation for about 30 years and despite several hurdles and setbacks, including stubborn corporate sponsorship for events, and the passing of both the club's founder, Lloyd Cameron, and his brother in quick succession, the unrestrained pleasure palace endures.
On some nights, both female and male strippers can be seen gyrating atop poles that touch the high ceiling above the main stage in gravity-defying positions. When THE STAR visited recently, there was a bevy of beautiful, tall and thick ladies engaging the audience. Tourists were there in good numbers, and one could easily tell by the carpet of US dollar bills adorning the stage as tips.
"We do great business with both locals and tourists, but we want to bring in more visitors to the nightclub," Richard Studd, the club's manager and entertainment director, told THE STAR . "Jamaica is seen as stacked and packed with sexiness on steroids, so both singles and couples are hungry to experience what we have to offer here." "Right now we are providing cash incentives to tour bus drivers who bring us tourist groups, and that way everyone is happy," the former Hedonism 11 band saxophonist stated.
"We are ready to welcome more hotel groups, for the dollars they spend uplift the communities right here immediately. And our security, our parking and our other amenities, including entertainment, are tip-top." THE STAR enquired about concerns with underage girls and human trafficking.
Studd quickly dismissed those worries. "All the entertainers here come to us on their own free will, and they are free to leave when they so choose," he said. "Additionally, all our adult entertainers must provide proof of age, even if they come to us looking like octogenarians in a wheelchair.
We operate by the highest standards and there are no exceptions with age." Studd noted that they have staff from every parish, and some are provided with furnished, air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators. Studd said that over the next few weeks and months, he will be booking a number of local dancehall entertainers to boost the excitement at Shades.
The club will also be looking to participate in overseas erotica trade shows to increase brand awareness. "In a world loaded with stress and problems of all sorts, Shades brings joy to the sad, healing for the bruised, comfort to the weary, and happiness to everyone who visits - regardless of gender, age, nationality, race or status," Studd said..
