Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
Left: Canadian High Commissioner Claudio Valle (centre), and Maria Dolores, chat with guest of honour John Robinson, who Valle succeeded as High Commissioner. Commissioner Valle hosted a dinner party for Robinson at his Seymour Avenue residence last year. Right: Canadian High Commissioner Claudio Valle dances with his wife Louise (left), and mother-in-law Edith Jarbeau who is quite the party animal, enjoying one of several parties last year. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
MY DEARS, by now y'all should know of that understated Chinese 'curse' bestowed upon their enemies and/or detractors: 'May you live in interesting time'. Well dears, if y'all are not au fait with it, get with it as it seems to be the perennial status of the Opposition JLP.
Luvs, denial there are and aplenty, but indeed, the whispers are now growing into a constant drum roll. It's not at all boding well for the continued political good health of the party.
Sweet-things, one MP has left. Honeys, from the last count this here scribe received, there are at least five or more who are exploring the possibility of switching their political allegiance.
Luvs, it seems the matters affecting the prospect for unity are both internal and external, as one 'insider' was recently overheard saying "When Mr. Seaga, was Leader of the Opposition, most of my time was spent defending him.
"Now the party has a new leader, I still spend most of my time defending the party leader, that leaves very little time for dealing with substantive issues, so what has really changed?"
Anyways doves, the tally so far is: one MP from the west; one from mid-island, two from Kingston and/or neighbouring constituencies, and one sitting member of the Senate.
TALKS
In some instances, talks are very advanced, and in some, they are at the exploratory stages, so y'all can look to the days and weeks ahead.
And so, my dears, former Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, HE John Robinson, (now retired), popped into the island for a few days of rest and relaxation.
Dears, in between being fêted, wined and dined by old friends, the former resident High Commissioner was one of the many international dignitaries who attended at King's House for the swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.
Not only did he enjoy the pomp and circumstance surrounding the installation ceremony, John Robinson, who served two stints here in the service of his country, has remained a steadfast supporter of Jamaica throughout the years. He was wholly cognisant of the historical perspective and cultural departure that attended Mrs. Simpson Miller's ascension.
PLANS FOR CELEBRATION
Anyways, the beloved high commissioner, whose retirement saw one of the greatest outpouring of love and support as was evidenced in a festival of dinner-parties, cocktail receptions and soirees to mark his retirement and demitting office, is all set for his return trip next year.
And more anon, as indeed there are plans for a fabulous twin-fold celebration, so wait for it.
And speaking of fabulous Canadian personalities, and then some. My dears, today, the simply grand Edith Jarbeau, she being the much loved and admired mother of the wife of the current Canadian High Commissioner and style icon Louise Valle, celebrates her 82nd birthday. Sadly, for many it will be a birthday celebration with a twist as she came to Jamaica just about three years ago and endeared herself to all those who came to know her. She is all set to return to Canada in a few days and so tonight's birthday party is also a farewell do. During her time here she has shown that it's not the years in your life that counts, but the life in your years.
My dears, truer words have never been uttered, and so we to join in the champagne toasts being given in honour of the departing party girl.
NEW MAGAZINE
It is easily one of the best ever publications to emerge form within the ranks of the printing and publishing industry here. And little wonder really, as indeed, the fabulous all-gloss magazine named The Jamaican, is a fabulous masterpiece of a creative and informative magazine, capturing the very essence and soul of the Jamaican experience and identity, with each issue being a veritable keepsake.
Well, sweet-things, if y'all haven't yet seen the latest manifestation of the best-selling magazine, then honeys, you are definitely not in the know. It's the only gift for a friend or acquaintance, communicating style, the essence of class, sophistication, art and beauty as it does, in this here its current issue, starring the parishes of St. Ann, St. Mary, and Portland.
Oh, my word, what a beauty of a publication, its preferred subject matters enriching to the core, and then some.
HORRENDOUS ROADS
Luvs, after years of traversing the absolutely horrendous roads of St. Mary, in an effort to avoid traffic congestion and testosterone laden pompous windbags, often wrong, but never allow the logic to get in the way of their faulty propositions, the pitiful state of the roadway there has made one forget the beauty of the parish.
But in this here edition of The Jamaican, St. Mary is at its pristine best, and then some, as are the other featured parishes and subjects in a most fabulous layout.
My darlings, a definite must-have and must-see as well as a keepsake!
NEW TOMES
And still speaking of fabulous tomes - it seems the fab thing for celebrated artists to do these days is to amass a collection of their works and collate them in a photographic essay in book-format for lovers of their work.
Well, my luvs, following upon the success of the tome by artist Judy-Ann MacMillan, the art-loving public has been welcoming other new tomes for the history and curators role they play in keeping the artist's works in proper perspective.
Well, my daahlings, celebrated Scottish contemporary artist John Johnstone, who showcased his latest works in Kingston earlier last year to critical acclaim, is another such artist whose body of work has been catalogued and immortalised in a fabulous little coffee table tome.
CHARMING DOCUMENTARY
It features an interesting read of a foreword by noted art-historian artist and commentator Edward Lucie-Smith, and biography of sorts, by freelance writer Bob Johnstone, out of Melbourne.
The tome, precious angels, is a charming documentary of the international travels occasioned by the artist, as well as his journey as an artist, and made that more the richer for its inclusion of a number of pieces or artistic references he painted during his many visits to this here fair land.
To be sure, the tome is an insight into the world travels of the artist, and for those looking for simply photographic reproduction, then wrong tome, as this is clearly not the artist's style, as his more interpretative leisurely but graphic, understanding of his studies and subjects are made manifest in the body of work.
Luvs, a must-have for lovers and collectors of John Johnstone works.
