CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
Janet Silvera (centre) surrounded by some of the many friends who turned out for her Fabulous at 40 party on Wednesday night. Getting down and going on bad were, from left, Dorris Morgan, Dollis Campbell Williams, Donnavon Donaldson, Dawn Smith, Janet Richards and Claudette James.
Western Bureau:
Long before the clock struck midnight on July 20, Western Jamaica Media Association's president, Janet Silvera, was touting the theme 'Fabulous at 40'.
Last Wednesday night, the Cancerian and her friends transformed the Montego Bay Hip Strip's Groovy Grouper into a retro funky avenue, adorned with oriental lanterns hoisted bamboo, tiki torches everywhere, great music, wonderful people and delectable food.
Ms. Silvera's 'magician' friends Roma Bailey-Hay and Sheilag Jardim waved their wands and created a lively theme of fuchsia, lime green and purple, colours in sync with the birthday girl's personality.
elegant, yet simple
Hosts June Pollack and Rondene Tomlinson had worked feverishly to present an elegant yet simple setting, richly at the world famous Doctor's Cave Beach.
Known for her sparkling and bubbly personality, Ms. Silvera took the spotlight all evening, refusing to stay still for one moment, and determined not to allow others to take charge of her life.
"Yes, that's my mother," said her 18-year-old son Rayon Earle, with admiration. "That's my 30-year-old mother, who made me in her image. I don't think I was birthed, but rather cloned, to be the male version of her. Everything she is, is great."
His words brought tears to his mother's eyes.
When The Gleaner's Editor-in-Chief, Garfield Grandison paid tribute to Silvera, he described her as a 'real' person loyal, professional, dependable, one who goes beyond the call of duty.
President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), Horace Peterkin, described her as one of the fashion ambassadors of Jamaica, especially when she represents the country overseas.
Best friends Dollis Campbell Williams and Auween Wiggan added their accolades and even dubbed her 'crazy'. But they should know, they have been friends for over 20 years.
The Gleaner's Managing Editor, Jenni Campbell, travelled from Kingston to share in the special occasion and Shernett Robinson, The Gleaner's Western Bureau manager, took an unusual night out on the town.
Brian Jardim, Basil Johnson, Michelle Tulloch, Allan Daswani, Indru and Aroon Dadlani, Vena and Denny Chandiram, Clayton and Doris Morgan, Jorge and Adella Sales, Curtis and Sally Grad, Mike Kandert, Sunil and Sheila Khiatani, Rajesh and Neha Kriplani, Kumar and Julie Samtani, Latoya Johnson, Clive Taffe, Dawn Smith, Norma Taylor, Janet and Marlon Fraser, Sophia Nairne, Claudine Housen, Carol Reid, Deputy Supt. John Morris, Homer and Dr. Davis, Pamella, Lorna and Sarah Findlay, Grace Campbell, Everton Anderson, Fred Smith, Mary Chambers, Evelyn and Joseph Smith, Carolyn Wright, Camille Banks, and Don and Ayisha Creary were just a few of the guests who celebrated the milestone with her.
