Rain or shine, still celebrate

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Just when folk were thinking it was safe to relax, enjoy the sun again and have some fun, news of 'Tomas' put quite a damper on things, forcing many cancellations and many to retreat to already damp homes for yet another drenching!

It is what it is, however, and so we press on!

And so, the new United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Pamela Bridgewater has hit the ground running. We salute and welcome her, as her presence can only serve to stimulate meaningful dialogue and improve US-Jamaica relations.

Speaking of meaningful dialogue, Sebastian Ogden's open letter to the Trinidadian prime minister, which he posted on Facebook in the wake of her reported comments re aid to her neighbours who suffered loss of life and other tragedies, is required reading!

So too are the musings of former senator, now entrepreneur, Deika Morrison.

Now, my daahlings, if you missed the double celebrations of Hedonism II's 29th anniversary, on Monday, November 1, and its annual Halloween and Masquerade Ball and celebrations, then y'all missed a sensational outing and then some!

In fact, the north coast, is fast becoming the entertainment destination of choice for revellers from the nation's capital, resulting from the city's lack of adult entertainment offerings, which now seems geared towards the teeny-bopper crowd.

Stress-free

Hedonism II was definitely kicking last weekend into early this week, and not just with hordes of partying foreigners, but also scores of Jamaicans, who are finding their groove in the stress-free, no-pressure environment.

But more anon, as this was one fab weekend. The popularity of the resort has led to some very creative solutions by prospective guests who would much prefer to holiday there, but due to late bookings, sought accommodation elsewhere so as not to miss the parties.

And speaking of beautiful people, places and things, it's definitely all about Port Antonio next weekend for the annual Errol Flynn Charity Ball.

Buzz is it's going to be all that, and more, with loads of the rich, famous and fabulous in attendance.

And, rain or shine, it's still the sign of Scorpio and dears, the celebrations continue.

Celebrating today are: celebrated and acclaimed designer Les Campbell; playwright/actor David Heron, now in New York; the fab Karen Audain Plummer, in Raleigh, North Carolina, daughter of media doyenne Christene King; and the lovely Patrice Christian-Thompson.

The ultra-fab, Donna Patricia Wright (Pat Wright to friends and associates); and model, Sheneil Ottey; both celebrate tomorrow.

On Sunday, founder of Jamaica's Restaurant Week, the charmingly lovely Stephanie Scott, celebrates her very special day.

Monday, the 8th, Beverley Anderson Manley celebrates her birthday; as will award-winning music producer and hotelier, Jon Baker; and the lovely Sidjae Robinson-Walia.

Tuesday's celebrants

On Tuesday, the 9th, restaurateur Rajiv Bakshi, the beautiful Natalie Desnoes, the lovely Avril Norton, Independent TV producer Danille Gordon, and Horace Campbell all celebrate on this day.

Wednesday, the 10th, will see former model, reigning beauty and style maven, Debra Whittingham-Kerr; Bobby Porter; Andrew Barton; Shakir Brown; and the fab Ann-Marie Peart, 'Vixxen' to her friends and fans; all share the same birthday!

On Thursday, the 11th, businessman Saleem Lazarus; the charmingly lovely Anne Rae, formerly of St Andrew, now resident of London; the beautiful Veronica Stanford-Davenport, North Coast habitue of Chicago, Illinois; former top male model Serchen Morris; former model Mark Clarke, now a US serviceman serving in Germany; the oh-so-fabulous Ebony Scott; and male exotic dancer extraordinaire Vinnie Johnson, of Atlanta, Georgia and north coast habitue; all celebrate on this date.

November 12 will see the simply stunning Sonia Witter; the fab Nicola DeLisser of Montego Bay; Tishan Sake Lee; and Dax Dunn, formerly of St Andrew, now Florida resident. Digicel's bubbly Trisha K. Thompson will blow out her candles on the 17th.

Belated birthday wishes to the simply fabulous Sandy Tavares-Finson; and the charming Marlene Davis, who celebrated on Wednesday, the 3rd.

President of the Senate, Senator Dr Oswald Harding; and the reigning grande dame of beauty, Joan McDonald; both celebrated yesterday.

Many happy returns all around with champagne toasts and Beluga treats!