Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Nadine Willis (right), presents to Nancy McLean, food and beverage manager/hotel manager, and Eldon Bremner (centre), general manager of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, a plaque for their support over the years.
INTERNATIONAL MODELLING success Nadine Willis, celebrated her 25th birthday in fine style on Friday evening, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
Three years ago, when Nadine's star began to rise, the Pegasus started its love affair with the exuberant model. "Since I first walked through the doors of the Pegasus, they have welcomed me with open arms. This is the least I can do to show my appreciation," she said.
Nadine declared the evening a tribute to, 'powerful Leos' and invited all who rule under that sign to share in the celebrations, as if the party were their own - particularly Mr. Eldon Bromner, the general manager of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and the Issa twins, Muna and Zein, as they all happen to share the same birth date as Nadine.
GIFTS GALORE
Notably, those who came out to boogie on the occasion of Nadine's 25 years certainly did not show up empty-handed. The Tiffany & Co. and Escada bags that lined the gift table were only a few among many gifts from swanky, upscale department stores, which were presented to the woman of the hour.
After the cutting of the birthday cake, friends were invited to toast the birthday girl. Ashley, lead singer of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, gave a lively musical tribute, by singing her rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to Nadine. Member of Parliament Olivia 'Babsy' Grange gave a moving speech pointing out Nadine's most endearing quality: "You're going to walk with kings and queens and won't lose that common touch. Sometimes the 'hype' and glamour go to people's heads and they lose themselves. Nadine has kept herself grounded."
For the remainder of the evening, the room was transformed into a mecca of dance and frivolous chatter, with Nadine leading the fun, of course. As she twirled and twittered across the venue, keeping her guests entertained, her bubbly young daughter Tatyana kept close behind, bent on sharing the spotlight.
Among those who joined in the celebration were: the founder and CEO of Pulse Jamaica, Mr. Kingsley Cooper; Dr. Marion Ducasse, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Sheilds, John Baker of GeeJam Productions, home of talent search show Rising Stars.
