The party continues

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

And just when we all thought the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips/Jamaica Labour Party/Harold Brady imbroglio was all but over, Prime Minister Bruce Golding stepped right in and opened up a new can of worms.

Mr Prime Minister, as one sage rightly said, "Sometimes the best command of the English language is silence!" Alas, silence did not prove to be 'Golding' on this occasion, and now we are left with greater issues of accountability and transparency. These are all attributes he trumpeted so well when he sought the highest political office, but now, has seemingly left behind.

Now, the irony is, Golding's latest intervention has not shed any new light on the whole matter, save for his own ineptitude. And rather than put the matter to rest, it has served to further inflame the debate in such a manner he has left many of his political colleagues scurrying for cover. Definitely never a dull moment in Jamaica!

One of the north coast's hottest spots, the playground of national and international partiers and a reputation for hot and absolutely wild adult entertainment, Hedonism III, is set to close for refurbishing. When it reopens, it will be under a new franchise and not the unmistakably hot brand known as being synonymous with adult fun and partying!

Sadly, Hedonism III Resort, in Runaway Bay, St Ann, will close around August 22, and when it reopens in October, will be rebranded as a SuperFun Resort, promising the same fab entertainment and racy parties. The news has left party people everywhere in a state of flux as in its near 11 years of operation, the resort had carved out a unique niche in the tourism marketplace. The resort was oversubscribed in times when other resorts offering the golden-age type of vacation were wanting. But the partying will continue.

And to make sure the partying continues, it will be all about the resort this Labour Day weekend, as impresario Freddy James is promising a weekend getaway of fun in an anticipated spectacular showcase. The headline will be the king of the dancehall, Beenie Man, and a slew of entertainers, in what promises to be a fabulously wicked weekend of music and fun.

Then, the tickets are out for the annual Busha Clarke Crabfest and party extravaganza at Paradise Park near Savanna-la-Mar in Westmore-land. Already, there's a rush to gobble up these prized tickets by the fab crowd, determined not to miss an opportunity to party and support a very good cause.

This year, the party will be to raise funds for the Rotary charities of Westmoreland. It is slated for Saturday, May 29, and promises to be a smasheroni, and nothing but! Dears, it's definitely a must-attend for the crab lovers, as Busha Clarke is promising some new gourmet crab dishes to the menu to complement the traditional offerings. So y'all know we are talking a feast and nothing but! The tickets are a mere $3,500 per person presold, and $4,000 at the gate, but it is restricted to friends and or friends of friends.

Newest attraction

Then it's the quaintest and newest attraction on the block, located in the hills above Oracabessa. It is the brainchild of businessman Oliver Magnus, and known as the Contentment Jungle Spa. The place is simply rustic and minimalist in its appeal, but yet very alluring, as it speaks to the joys of the simple life. The spa represents the triumph of ideas over resources, offering a no-frills get-away in deep rural Jamaica, its attraction being the absence of pretence.

In operation for a number of months now, the place offers a kind of outdoorsy adventure, as well as seasonal entertainment, with this Sunday seeing the incomparable Mutabaruka as the preferred in-house DJ from 1 p.m. He will be offering up a selection of world-beat music for the discerning music lover seeking an outing with the perfect chilling vibe. And with full bar service on offer, plus lunch, this weekend a walk in the woods at the Contentment Jungle Spa is perfect!

Then, Jennifer Lim is back from Israel, while Robert Stephenson is off to Asia. Birthday wishes to the lovely Ayesha Dawes of Bars On Wheels; Kerry McKenzie; and the beautiful Natasha Edwards, who are all celebrating their birthday today. The lovely Pauline Stone-Myrie celebrates her birthday tomorrow. Model/author-turned designer Lois Samuels celebrates her special day on Sunday, as will impresario and talent manager Freddy James, and the lovely Sue Morris.

Celebrated photographer Wayne Chin celebrates on Monday, as well as best-selling American author and motivational speaker, Wahid Shakur. Jason Powell of Ocho Rios celebrates on the 18th, as will Luke-George Cooke in Kingston. Sharon Tulloch and New Yorker and north coast habitué Charles Maneri celebrate on Wednesday. And next Friday will see Montego Bay-based leading opinion columnist Lloyd B. Smith; musician and former Wailer, Tyrone Downie; Carol Charlton; Doneth Reid; stylist B. Caldwell of California; Janet Durant, formerly of Linstead, St Catherine, currently residing in New York; and journalist Dwight Bellanfante - all celebrating their birthday. And belated wishes to the elegant Carole Fullerton, who celebrated on Wednesday of this week.