HOTTEST TOPICS ON THE COCKTAIL CIRCUIT

36-man Cuban party!

1. Seems like the new found diplomatic love affair with Cuba is raising eyebrows in that communist nation as well as here in Jamaica. With the word out of Cuba being the latest delegation to arrive was a 36-man strong party, some are questioning not only the reasons for the size, but who is footing the bill.

State homes

2.The debate about renting official residences to all and sundry for every little function has taken on a new life. Also, some argue that prime ministers should live in the official home, Vale Royal. The cost of upgrading private homes, they argue, is excessive.

Problems in Ochi

3.Businesses and hoteliers in and around Ocho Rios are running scared after last week's brazen developments. Seems they are convinced the hoax of a bomb threat was directly related to the armed robbery elsewhere. And, they are none too happy with the growing squatter communities mushrooming everywhere as they say it produces a two-fold problem: denuding the area causing flooding and creating a haven for criminal activity.

Invitation fuss

4.The invitation is a definite turn-off for some would-be guests as they say it is an affront to their dignity. While some say they understand the no-firearms policy, or even the fact that they want no cameras, some say they find the caveat barring cellphones offensive.

No brownie points

5.The recent action is still not sitting well in some quarters. Some say the act shows the lack of intestinal fortitude required to execute the task at hand. The political directorate did not win any brownie points either as, according to some, they were made to look the weaker of the parties.

Undiplomatic behaviour

6.The deputy definitely did not win any new friends at a recent social event, when she began repeating what some considered the rather unpleasant story that supposedly unfolded at the airport. Some were so taken aback they have made it patently clear she is not welcomed at their table anymore; others were so distressed at her behaviour, they can't stop talking about it.

Character and list

7.If there are questions about his character, as was made clear by the due diligence, then why was he kept on the official list?

No new polls

8.Expect no new general election soon as the climate does not favour this since the mid-June to July period, once thought of as being more favourable, is now dashed!

Who is the leader?

9.Some were beginning to ask the question: Just who is in charge here, the elected officials, or non-elected officials? Is it a case of the piper using its mouthpiece to call the tune?