Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

Fashion moguls Ralph Lauren and wife Ricky.

Luvs, there is no escaping the fact that while Prime Minister Bruce Golding connects with his people at the cerebral level, his predecessor, the rather charming Portia Simpson Miller, connects with her people at the emotional level. This was made evident in their contrasting budget presentations.

And now with the verdict in and the pundits agreeing that both were substantive presentations and with both after-budget receptions now history, the contrasting styles were also manifested in the cocktail receptions.

First in and out of Parliament, Simpson Miller looked stunning, donning couture as only she can with the flair of the consummate style maven. She has stamped her regal sense of style on a House that lends itself to tawdriness in deportment.

Departure from the normal

Her after-budget reception was a departure from the usual mode, too, emphasising her evolution since the change in political roles. It was held in the heart of the business and commercial district of New Kingston in the Dyoll Building.

This one was not your usual mix of politicos and power brokers, but more like a family-type get-together with friends, supporters, colleagues and admirers on hand to break bread over libations as they toasted her on her performance earlier on that afternoon.

It was quite the buzz of New Kingston as Mama P might have found herself out of power, but not out of favour within the ranks of her natural constituency, and they too rushed to be a part of the action for her post-budget soirée.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Golding's reception was a gala event.

The lawns of Jamaica House were transformed into a very hospitable and inviting setting with the marquees and occasional lounges and café-style arrangements that were the colourful motif for the occasion.

My dears, this was a power outing and then some with the world and his wife in attendance. It was made that much more interesting because some in attendance thought they could burnish their own political allegiance by questioning that of others with reference to them as 'Seaga Labourites' and/or 'PIPs'.

The outing was made even more interesting when guests were forced to come together when the heavens opened and drenched the proceedings.

The rains, however, did not dampen enthusiasm, as the buzz was that Golding's maiden speech as prime minister was not only plausible, but also viable, and so the rush was on to offer congratulations.

Vacation in the sun

Portia Simpson Miller - File photos

My dears, Jamaica is reasserting its role as the premier island in the sun with the international jet-setters and 'A-crowders' flocking to the island as guests or scouting for vacation homes.

To be sure, the likes of international socialite the Grand Duchess of Austria Francesca von Habsburg, the daughter of late Swiss billionaire industrialist Baron Von Thyssen, Patrice Wymore-Flynn, and pop icon and mega-rich Chris Blackwell, fashion icons Ralph and Ricky Lauren always kept their places in the sun with their Jamaican homes.

And in more recent times, however, the list of the international celebrities adding Jamaican vacation holdings to their portfolios has risen to include American millionaires Michelle Rollins, Canadian multimillionaire Ron Kelly, and the mega-wealthy American venture capitalist Mark Jones.

And there is Jamaican-born billionaire Michael Lee Chin and retired millionaire boxer-turned-TV commentator and reality-show star Lennox Lewis, all joining the trend.

Well, my dears, Spanish hotel chains are already here and all set to expand, but now it's time to make ready for the Russians, as they are expected to be the new wave of investors, so wait for it.

Fab arrivals

( L - R ) Lennox Lewis, Hardley Lewin, Ribbie Chung

But in the meantime, until the Russian flotilla arrives, the fab are still arriving, with American actor Corey Feldman being the latest Hollywood celeb to jet in for some rest and relaxation here in the sun. He took in the sites in Negril and Runaway Bay before returning to the United States at the beginning of the week.

Then, belated birthday wishes to Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, who celebrated his special day last Sunday, April 20.

Entrepreneur Ribbie Chung, of the Quad, celebrated his birthday yesterday, with celebrations to follow on Sunday.

( L - R ) Chris Blackwell, Michelle Rollins, Michael Lee Chin