Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
Carole Issa Cartade - Contributed
My dears, just when it was beginning to look like the new year was about to get itself into a party slump, Kingston hotelier James Samuels, who was away on assignment in Barbados, was not only back on the island, but also hosted a Sunday afternoon soirée at his rather charming Jacks Hills residence to celebrate his return to Jamaica and the many friendships and colleagues he has enjoyed over the years.
Well, my dears, for those who don't know, James Samuels and his Jacks Hills soirées are legendary.
Well, sweet-things, it's been a few years, and then some, since Mr Samuels played host. But precious angels, his home was once again the preferred party address as the hotelier and socialite threw open the doors to his fine home, and dovecakes, when it was all over and the revues came in, on the social Richter scale it was a fabulous tenner!
My darlings, we are talking a simply sensational do here. This, my dears, was in essence and spirit one marvellous soirée - a civilised do, attended by some of the city's leading and most accomplished personalities, in business, the arts, academia, the media and, of course, the chíc and happening crowd, and it made for a stellar event.
Dovecakes, such is the pull and cachet of the James Samuels invitation, that there were many invitees who were out of town for that weekend, but cut short their visit in order to attend. And for those who did, my dears, it proved a mighty fab decision!
A fabfest
To begin with, the affair got under way with a lazy Sunday afternoon motif at its core, as guests gathered for libations in the gardens and patio. And, it being the political season in the United States, there were many discussions on that subject.
With libations flowing and guests generally at ease, the atmosphere was there for a fab evening out.
My dears, former maître d' of the Terra Nova Hotel, Raymond Douglas, was the designated 'chef', and to this end he served up one fine fare. And in between sips and nibbles, the music of Andrew Henry and his Renegade Disco took hold of the guests, and from there on into the late hours of Sunday, it was all about the music and partying!
Luvs, the music is termed old school, and it seems nary a soul was bothered by being dated by this terminology. Guests just took to their feet every which where the music hit them, and clearly, they were feeling no pain!
From a little ska, to the sounds of the '70s, the raw energy of the '80s and the crossover vibes of the '90s straight into the present dispensation of pop arias. Guests simply danced up a glow, and then some.
No airs here! None of that self-indulgent attitude either, just a fine group of people out sharing each other's society and fellowship, and partying like rock stars. My dears, simply and honestly, it was like that!
Notables
The notables out included: Deputy Secretary General of the International Seabed Authority, Nii Allotey Odunton and his wife Nijama Odunton; the eminent John Cooke; Ronnie Burke and his fabulous wife Suzie; famed international photographer Don Parchment, in from LA; the fab Elaine Wint; Gene Pearson; Kay Osbourne; Charles Ross; Stephen Hill and his companion Sharon White; Kingsley Cooper; actress Paula Taylor, of Barbados/NY; Lennie Little-White and his companion Sheryl Hyman; Carlyle Hudson and his wife Diane; Jeff Cobham; artist and singer Cecil Cooper; Robert Stephens and his wife Donna; Public Defender Earl Witter and his predecessor Howard Hamilton and wife.
Also out were: Michael Fox; Dr Noel Watson and his wife. Oliver Magnus and his son Russell; Nurma James; hotelier Donahue Jarrett, in from Montego Bay; famed photographer Peter Ferguson and his wife, Yvonne Wilks; Robert Anderson and his companion Amoy Lewis; Julian Spence; Christene King, Carol Foofanah; the lovely Joan Lindo; Eric Jolly; Pat Walters; Eric Crawford and his wife, Charl Baker; artist Nakazi; Francine Haughton; and Claudia McGann; James Samuels; A. Guy Morris and Berl Francis, plus a number of others.
Age of Aquarius
And it is definitely the Age of Aquarius, my dears, and the fab people of Aquarius are celebrating their zodiacal intervention with much aplomb. Belated birthday greetings to the lovely Carole Issa Cartade, who kicked of the season on the 20th, with champagne toast with family and friends over in St. Ann. Her sibling, Paul Issa, will celebrate tomorrow.
Today, however, it's all about Josef Forstmayr of Round Hill, and Digicel's David Hall. Belated birthday greetings, too, to Carlos MaxBrown of Carlos Café on Belmont Road, who celebrated his day on the 18th.
Champagne toasts all around and Beluga treats, and then some!
Peter Ferguson (left) puts James Samuels at ease during photo shoot for his new book 'Changemakers - 101 portraits of outstanding men in Jamaica'. A major exhibition of the images and book launch is slated for May 5 in Kingston. - Contributed
