Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
- While celebrating 50 years of life, Metty Scarlett Jones (left) reminisces on being 18 years old by wearing a tiara and a sexy red dress as she did when she won the Miss St. James Competition 31 years ago. Here she is escorted by best friend and chaperone Pauline Erskine. PHOTO BY JANET SILVERA
WESTERN BUREAU: NOT EVEN Gone with the Wind's Scarlett O'Hara could strut her stuff on the catwalk like Metty Scarlett Jones' did last Saturday night at her 50th birthday party. In a dramatic entry, choreographed by Weston Haughton, the former Miss St. James had her guests in awe when she arrived dressed as an 18-year-old beauty queen, wearing a sexy red and silver backless dress, silver tiara, bouquet in hand, accompanied by chaperone Pauline Erskine.
Reliving the events that took place 31 years ago, Scarlett Jones, a senior manager of Johnson and Diversey, declared that this time around she was competing for 'Miss Golden Girl, 50 not out'.
Scarlett Jones described her feelings as the evening wore on. "Having Weston Haughton do my make-up tonight was like déjà vu; he did my make-up when I was an 18-year-old contestant in Miss St. James beauty pageant." Not only did the beauty queen wear the parish crown proudly then, but she placed fourth in the Miss Jamaica World competition.
Scarlett Jones' daughter, attorney-at-law Kamla Samuels, chose the sprawling mansion 'Hanover House' in Tamarind Hill for her mother's entrance into this new era.
The spectacular view of the city of Montego Bay from Tamarind Hill is the property's greatest asset. And with the assistance of Montego Bay's best, Paulette Henry, the villa type home was transformed into an oasis of rapture.
For four years the woman, who makes no apology for having fun, prayed for the biological clock to strike 50, while her daughter saved enough money to give mom the treasured memories.
EMOTIONAL EVENING
It was an emotional evening of laughter, tears and joy, as Scarlett Jones wiped her eyes repeatedly when her beloved child spoke of her. "It hasn't been easy living in the footsteps of this woman, all the people I meet think because I am Metty's daughter, I must be full of life, full of energy, like she is," quipped Kamla. "Life with her has been absolutely wonderful, she has taught me that every day is a celebration of life, she is my heartbeat."
Scarlett Jones' husband, Dr. Carl 'CC' Jones, gave vivid narrative of the phases of his life that he spent with his wife. The couple met during their high school days, 'CC' is a Cornwall College old boy and Metty a Montego Bay High School past student. They went their separate ways after high school and reunited as adults in 1986. "I accepted the challenge and the rest history," he quipped.
'The Boys': noted Montego Bay attorney-at-law George 'Timo' Thomas, SuperClubs Vice-President, Sam James, drinking partners of Scarlett Jones, paid tribute to her.
Her mom Jean Davis stood by her side, best school friends Judith Thompson and Arlene Hylton spoke of the great youthful days, and her colleagues Audley Hewling and Ron Reeves and boss Joyce Griggs spoke of her devotion and commitment to the job.
Dr. Carleene and Homer Davis danced feverishly, attorney-at-law Jeannie Robinson Foster had 'Shaggyitis', Superintendent Tomlinson Brown, husband Owen, daughter Oneisha, and Winston 'Spoogy' Samuels had a ball.
In attendance were Jamaica's Honorary Consul in Atlanta, Vin Martin and the entire Atlanta/Jamaica sister city medical team. Rory Frankson, Andrea Lyle, Dollis Campbell Williams, Odette Suberam, Rose March, Patrick Thompson, Yvonne and John Brown, Rhuel Madden, Peter Pitter, Osmond and Rashida Erskine, Cheryl Atkinson, Thedia Hemmings, Joe Hylton, Sandra Miller Hall, Leroy 'Dougho' Dunkley, Mike and Dolly Barber, Walter 'Stretch' Robinson, Clement and Maureen Ebanks, Everton Anderson, Patrick Fletcher, Natalie Legore, Arthur 'Chappy' Henry, Johnny and Le-Ann Gourzong, Robert and Beverly Russell, Mayor Noel Donaldson, and his deputy Cecil Davis, Member of Parliament Horace Chang came out to support the birthday girl.
