Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor
Left: American Women's Group (AWG) members, from left: Jackie Dorsey, Marcia Francis, Deb Shill and Leslie Wan, also came to share the festivities.
Right: Col. Trevor McMillan and his wife Dr. Peaches McMillan, pass the time in animated conversation with Captain Michael Lyn and CitiGroup's Peter Moses.
Left: Charles Matthews (left) with his successor Damian Obiglio at his JPS farewell party on July 8.
Right: With wife Brunetta by his side, outgoing JPS President and CEO Charles Matthews cut his birthday cake at the Jamaica Public Service send-off party in their honour, held at Solaris, Mar-Bella Estate, St. Thomas, on Saturday, July 8. - PHOTOS BY COLIN HAMILTON/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
PICTURE A SLICE OF PARADISE to the east of the island that looks like Lover's Leap in St. Elizabeth gave birth to a beautiful baby. Picture quiet, calm serene privacy with the green hills around you and the sea at your feet. Then picture perfectly landscaped grounds, great music, good vibes, excellent food by Lorraine's Catering and Akbar and the fellowship of friends and you have the perfect setting for a send-off party.
That was the case for Charles Matthews, outgoing president and chief executive officer of the Jamaica Public Service Company, at Solaris, Mar-Bella Estate, St. Thomas, on Saturday, July 8. There were the usual elements of a great party, such as lively chatter among groups that picked their permanent spot, others who chose to work the crowd, dancing to the great music, drinking from the strategically placed bars, or simply drinking in the beautiful view.
American Women's Group (AWG) members paid tribute to their 'sister' Brunetta Matthews' commitment, loyalty, sweetness, elegance and intelligence. And, Tom Dorsey lauded Charles Matthews for his long list of achievements during his tenure.
In his response, Mr. Matthews came close to tears on a few occasions but singled out his driver, "who became almost like family," as well as secretary Debbie Graham, for loyalty, dedication and commitment. To wife Brunetta, he said, "On my bad days, you picked me up, cleaned me off and said 'Go get them, baby'. You have been a great woman behind an average man who was able to do some good things." He was also gratified by the roles of Hillel Academy and Stella Maris Catholic Church in the development of his sons.
Led by the company's public relations head Tony Ray, the throng out to say farewell to the Matthews were: Opposition Leader Bruce Golding, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, Mr. Matthews' successor Damian Obiglio, the members of the American Women's Group of which Brunetta Matthews was a member; Lesley and David Wan, Harry Smith, Mike and Thalia Lyn, Fae Ellington, David Shields, Ian Neita and Mrs. Neita, Milton Brady, Audrey Marks, Colin Campbell, MP Bobby Pickersgill, Jean Lowrie-Chin and husband Hubie Chin, Clarence Clarke, Marilyn Bennett, Beverly Lopez, Alston Stewart, Vin Lawrence and Mrs. Lawrence, Trevor McMillan and wife Dr. Peaches McMillan, JMA head Doreen Frankson, National Commecial Bank's (NCB) Patrick Hylton and NCB Capital Market's Chris Williams, Alicia Lyle, Velna Summers, and many more.
