Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
Left: Kurt Hentley (sixth from right) and Vicky Moral Herero, at Kurt's left, with family and friends. Right: Kurt Hentley and Vicky Moral Herero with their son Zaza Herero-Hentley at their wedding in Spain. - CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS
THE NUMBERS are quite staggering to some, frightening to others, but welcomed by the many as this will be the most popular swearing-in of a Prime Minister since then Seaga-led JLP trounced the left leading PNP of the '70s.
Anyway my dears, with the swearing-in of Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller on the fast track for March 30, y'all would never believe the social drama the event is creating!
To begin with, for the most part high-society steered clear of the Simpson Miller presidential campaign. Well, honeys, the way things are going y'all never would have guessed it, as it's not the polloi who are calling up and asking for invites to next week's do, but the very same members of high society who are now hell-bent on identifying with the new Prime Minister.
And honeys, the frocks and gowns are flying off the racks in some of Kingston's leading clothiers, as the matrons and mavens of high-society get all dolled up for the big event. And not to be outdone, the gents are at it as well as they, too, suit up in preparation for the outing. But the news that has got this scribe going is out of polite society in upper St. Andrew where some women are in a flux as to just how they should address the incoming Prime Minister, and just what is expected of them, should they be presented to her.
Should they curtsey? Should they bow deferentially, or should they kiss the back of her outstretched hand?
CAUSING QUITE A TIZZY
Pumpkins, it's all causing quite a tizzy within the ranks of the well-to-do and pure consternation and frustration from those of the lesser stations.
Can you all imagine how much more confused the confused will be if and when presented to the retinue of foreign leaders and dignitaries expected in the island for the affair.
If y'all are asking, all of the above questions can be answered by demonstrating the affirmative, but, and for the love of all that is fabulous, do not turn up at the swearing-in referring to the Prime Minister designate as Portia.
Perish the thought, y'all, as Madam Prime Minister will do, and quite nicely thank you, as anything reeking of the familiarity which attached itself to her presidential campaign and consequentially, the PM-designate, designed to offer proof of 'closeness', or social intimacy, is not only wholly inappropriate, it simply will not cut it.
And yes, it promises to be one fab event, a celebration of all things fabulously Jamaican, and then some, with the ball slated for later that night promising to be a social with all the glitz, glamour and oomph of a regal state affair. And no, Miss Piggy is not in charge of planning committee!
FABULOUS PEOPLE
Speaking of fabulous people, event and things, he was known here in Jamaica as an avant-garde, fun-loving party-animal, who possessed one of the region's most extensive alternative music collection. And he was asked to guest as DJ at many a party for the city's elite.
Little wonder as not only was he a hot, dreadlocked ramp and print model, he was the host extraordinaire. But like many his age, Kurt Hentley decided on leaving Jamaica because of the changing social climate that saw the emergence of more violent times.
Renaissance man that he is, Hentley's place of choice was Balboa, Spain, where he gave up his partying days here in the sun in the Caribbean for Spain.
While there he met the love of his life, the lovely Vicky Moral Herero, and the two fast became one hot item seen at the hottest spots of Balboa, in between packing in some studies and guesting with friends across Europe.
PROUD PARENTS
That was some three-plus years ago, since their first meeting. Kurt Hentley and his lady-love became proud parents of their first child - son Zaza Herero-Hentley.
Well, last week, the couple, tied the knot in a lovely little ceremony in Balboa. It was attended by a carefully selected group of guest.
Doves, with the family of the bride, extended family and friends in attendance, the couple exchanged their vows in an early afternoon ceremony, that was followed by a celebratory lunch that lasted till the sun rose at dawn the following day.
Daahlings, with his sister Tina Hentley-Boye in attendance, as well as former TV and Radio personality Kathy Owen and her beau, Jorge Guerenu; Nigel Lawson and Adam Hall, representing the Jamaican contingent, Balboa not only rocked, it shook and shimmied like a city on fire.
