Serving the party's interest

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

My dears, never mind the politics and the 'flip-flopper-in-chief', as the capital was buzzing last weekend.

There was loads of political excitement as most of the city was on resignation watch when news circulated that Prime Minister Golding was considering that option. His resignation was seen as the way to settle the impasse between him and the Jamaican people over the extradition imbroglio!

When news broke that the resignation party was being moved to Ocho Rios, most of whom had entertained the thought that Golding would demit office had their hopes dashed. The thinking was it was no longer about what was right and/or in the best interest of the country but what was in the best interest of the party!

Ironically though, what might have been in the best interest of the party was to see Golding off and install a new party leader, so he could pick up the pieces and mend fences in time to face the electorate without the baggage! But, luvs, this weekend it's all about the fabulous Hedonism III as Freddy James is promises the ultimate Jamaican Labour Day weekend getaway at the buzzing resort in St Ann.

With four radio stations broadcasting live from the resort, there will be partying hell to pay and then some! And if that's not enough, Beenie Man, the celebrated Oscar B and the happening Ding-Dong along with a slew of hot national and international models will be there. It all starts today and continues through Monday the 24th.

BIRTHDAYS

Belated birthday greetings to Jamaican international model/singer/actress Grace Jones, who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday. According to the international buzz, she surprised her fans and friends at the Belvedere party at Le Baron Hotel in Cannes, when she rushed from the stage, after an electrifying performance, as organisers wheeled out a surprise birthday cake in her honour!

The diva would have none of it, opting instead to party with a selected group of friends in her hotel suite later!

Dawn Henry wife of Transport Minister Mike Henry celebrated her birthday on Tuesday.

The beautiful Sheila Benjamin McNeill celebrated yesterday, as did her colleague of the Guardsman Group, Commander George Overton. Also celebrating on the 20th were choreographer/designer Bertie Rose and journalist Franklyn McKnight.

And a very special happy belated birthday greeting to Jamaica's sprint queen now Slovenian national, the indefatigable Merlene Ottey, who celebrated her birthday on the 10th.

Celebrating today are the beautiful Tesi Johnson, the lovely Petal Brown, the charming Allison McHayle, and the lovely Debra Banks, of New York and north coast habitué.

Advertising and marketing dynamo, Adrian Robinson celebrates his birthday tomorrow, as will former parliamentarian Victor Cummings; Montego Bay-based businessman Sunil Khiatani; and personal assistant to the education minister, Charmaine Anderson.

More celebrations

The lovely Carmen Patterson celebrates on the 23rd; as do actress and media personality Elva Ruddock, former sous chef of Hedonism III, Jeff Wright, who will be partying in his native Canada.

Johnny Hamilton will celebrate on Monday the 24th.

Maureen Shaw celebrates on Tuesday, the 25th, as will ace disc jock Squeeze, Dianne Golding Frankson, Shawn Moses, loyalty manager of the Royal Plantation Hotel; Roland Brammer, who will party in the Big Apple, and Deborah Levee Lanigan, sister of hotelier Kevin Levee and his daughter Spencer Levee, both of whom will celebrate on the 26th. Marlon Hill shares the same date.

Artist Karl Jerry Craig celebrates on the 27th.

And next Friday, the 28th, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga and his son, Christopher celebrate theirs!

Also celebrating on the 28th are the lovely Anna Chin of Jo-Jo's; the charming Carlene Reid and the beautiful Camilla Wright of Ocho Rios.

Many happy returns y'all with Champagne toasts and beluga treats!

And still speaking of beautiful people, former Miss USA and third runner-up in the Miss Universe contest, American film and television actress, producer and philanthropist, Kenya Moore (movie credits include Waiting To Exhale) arrives in Jamaica this weekend, and will be 'cooling out' on the north coast. Moore is still gung-ho about destination Jamaica and is in talks to premiere her latest movie project here some time this summer, so more anon!

Kenny Benjamin hosted a corporate soiree last Friday at Guardsman Group Corporate headquarters.

Among those out sharing felicitations were the heir apparent Nicholas Benjamin, Indian High Commissioner Mohinder Grover; the wife of former Canadian High Commissioner, Claudio Valle, the fabulous Louise Valle; Moya Baston, visiting from Dubai, plus a host of others. Information Minister Daryl Vaz took a break from crisis talks at Vale Royal, and Montego Bay-based businessman Lachu Ramchandani and the Miss Global beauty contestants radiated the charm of starlets and hopefuls!