Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

Let me fix that for you, dear. Thalia Lyn does some adjusting to husband Michael's collar as they hang out with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu at a farewell brunch at 15 Ordon Close, Stony Hill, last Sunday.

They are Chinese by descent, Canadians by nationality, and Jamaicans by birth, who have chosen to make Jamaica their home, and in the process have contributed not only to the rich social fabric of the nation, but also to the business sector.

Captain Mike Lyn and wife Thalia are fierce nationalists. They believe in not only destination Jamaica, but also in the appeal of things Jamaican, and so have sought to harness that uniquely Jamaican product and package and market it as a way of expanding the appeal, as well as giving back to the community through employment creation.

That product is known as Island Grill, and while the Lyns are better known for their lovely soirees and divine parties, as well as Captain Lyn's long sint as a captain with the national airline, theirs has been a fabulous union. It has spawned a number of business ventures, and ongoing dialogue and intervention for and on behalf of the poor and dispossessed.

Thalia is dubbed Kingston's reigning social empress, and little wonder here, as not only are her soirees of legendary status, they are coveted. She is the gracious hostess, and hubby Mike commandeers the kitchen, assuring guests of a wonderful time and scrumptious feast at the Lyns Old Stony Hill residence.

Last Sunday, the Lyns again opened up the doors to say goodbye to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador HE Zhao Zhenyu and his charming wife Madame Wang Xiaoju.

It's been just about three and a half years since Ambassador Zhenyu and Madam Xiaoju first graced Jamaica's shores. During their tenure, they worked tirelessly at promoting closer ties between Beijing and Kingston at the official level and in the private sector.

They have also overseen the expansion of the Chinese official business offices ane residence; while at the same time promoting a greater appreciation of the Chinese cultural heritage and history of co-operation between the Chinese community here and back home on mainland China. They have been exemplars, and in the finest of diplomatic traditions made that much more so by their sense of duty!

MARVELLOUS SUNDAY OUT

So the Lyns threw a right royal Chinese dim sum (light brunch) and it made for a simply marvellous Sunday out! For the most part, guests put in their appearances at the appointed hour and whiled the morning away, imbibing Kir-Royale and/or mimosas, while basking in each other's company.

Among those out sharing in the very warm occasion were: Tourism icon and hotelier and mogul John Issa, and his fabulous wife, international 'A-crowder' and social icon Aida Issa; their twin daughters, the lovely Muna Issa, her sibling the equally lovely Zein Issa-Nakash and her hubby, businessman Chris Nakash; head of the illustrious Hendrickson family, business mogul Karl Hendrickson and his charming wife Nellie Hendrickson; their son Butch Hendrickson and Heidi Chin, also out; regional conglomateur Lascelles Chin; Peter and Beverly Rousseau; Robert MacMillan; leading socialites Anthony and Jeanne Watson;Jennifer Lim; Dr. Oswald Harding and wife Marigold; legal luminary George Fatta; Herman McLarty and his fab wife Mrs. Dorothy Pine-McLarty. Also out were: former Foreign Minister and Government MP K.D. Knight and wife Dr. Pauline Knight; Opposition MP Delroy Chuck and wife Pat; HE Ambassador Douglas Saunders; US Ambassador HE Brenda LaGrange-Johnson; South African High Commissioner HE Advocate Faith D'Radebe; Mexican Ambassador HE Leonora Rueda; French Ambassador HE Francis Hurtut; Spanish Ambassador HE Jesus Silva; Canadian High Commissioner HE Denis Kingsley and wife the charming Jo'Ann Kingsley; Venezuelan Ambassador HE Noel Ochoa; Brazilian Ambassador HE Cesar Amaral and his lovely wife Lidia Amaral and their sons; U.S. Embassy Consul General James Wehrli and his fabulously charming wife Rose Wehrli; Mrs. Janet James; Capt Michael Feanny and wife Anne Marie Feanny; Patrick Lynch; Irena Cousins; Parris and Anne Lyew Ayee, and their son Parris Lyew Ayee Jr; Bob and Angie Fowler; John and Enid Gooden;Vincent Chang; Howard and Linda McIntosh; businessman Anthony Chang; the lovely Lisa McGregor-Johnston; Dave and Lori-Ann Lyn; David and Mary Wong-Ken; Phillip and Claudine Liu; Mr. Jiangou Wiao and his family; Mr. and Mrs. David Liu and parents, visiting from China; and Foreign Affairs Ministry official Courtney Rattray and his lovely wife Tracey Rattray; plus a number of others.

It was one fab and interesting outing, made that much more so by the absence of any long-winded speeches. Just a brief introductory and thank you welcome from Thalia Lyn; a very warm, witty and kind response from Ambas-sador Zhenyu; a presentation of gifts to the couple by the hosts, and then it was time to do brunch.