Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

Left: Burchell Whiteman. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer   Center: Businessman Chris Blackwell. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer   Right: Bobby Chen. - Contributed

And so, it seems that after a long and distinguished career as an educator and a stint in representational politics and then service in the upper house, The Hon. Burchell Whiteman is all set to become this country's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

His appointment would not only be welcomed by this here scribe, it would be a breath of fresh air as, truth be told, many were more than a little disappointed that he was not elevated to the post of G-G earlier this year.

But not to worry, as High Commissioner to London, with his able and oh-so fab wife Jolene Whiteman, Burchell and Jolene Whiteman, will make fab representatives of Jamaica to London and with their gift for diplomacy, should see the elevation of not just representing us at the bilateral level but also representing the interest of the very large Jamaican community in Britain.

'Pioneering grandfather of reggae'

Then, it's all about pop-icon and mogul Chris Blackwell this weekend, as the pioneering grandfather of reggae and sponsor of brand Jamaica and things Jamaican in general was the recipient of the American Friends of Jamaica, 2006 Humanitarian Award, at a high-profile gala and benefit held in New York, last evening. The crème of fab and haute-society jetted out for the event.

My daahlings, it was all that and then some as not just the fab investiture gala that had everyone who is anyone gung-ho to attend, sweet-things, there were tonnes of fabulous after-party celebrations, brunches and cocktails in and around the Big-Apple, and all around Chris Blackwell.

Pumpkins, this one was a smasheroni of an international who's who, and then some!

Not all members of the 'A-Crowd' were in New York this weekend, however, and even then, there will be those who will be jetting back in from the Big-Apple, just in time to attend security mogul Kenny Benjamin's much anticipated soiree to celebrate his being appointed the Jamaican Honorary Consul of the Ukraine, and more recently, being awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) Commander Class, for his contribution to business and entrepreneurship.

Congratulations are in order and extended to: Kenny Benjamin, Charles Johnston, Dr. Cezley Sampson, Lennie Little-White, Bob Andy and Ernie Smith, on their investiture, and more so for distinguishing themselves in their respective fields for decades.

Birthday Wishes

Now, birthday wishes to Brian Sang, who celebrates his birthday today. To former LoJ executive and U.N. diplomat, Anil Kalra, formerly of Kingston, Geneva and now of Mumbai, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow.

Now, the birthday celebrations will continue, but it will be with the dawning of a new age as it will be the age of the Scorpion, and my word, it will be a stinging season, as those celebrating include: socialite extraordinaire, Jennifer Lim; David Burton; and gynaecologist turned businessman, Dr. Robert Chen, of the famous Super Plus family.

Happy birthday all around dears, and champagne toasts and caviar treats!

And then my dears, people are still talking about the absolutely fabulous affair that was The Best of Jamaica, as hosted by Ron Droegmyer and his staff over there at the oh-so-indulgently fabulous resort of Grand Lido Braco, over there in Braco, Trelawny - and honeychiles, the talk is all about what a fine event it was!

Grand Lido Braco Resort and Spa, is a SuperClubs super-inclusive resort, nestled on the pristine Trelawny sea coast of Jamaica. For this event the resort buzzed, and sizzled in the throes of culinary and entertainment excitement, as they showcased its annual signature event from October 4 to 8, under the theme 'The Tradition Continues - The Legacy of Diversity'. With a full occupancy of local and overseas guests, visitors, sponsors and media and tourism officials, all numbering an average of 600 daily - talk about crowd-a-people!

"We are promising all of you that the indications are, that this year's staging will exceed all expectations, compared to previous years", said a confident and excited Ron Droegmyer, the resort's general manager, as he welcomed invitees including several sponsors and the Jamaica Tourist Board's top brass.

The event proved an unforgettable experience as it was a celebration and recognition of the diverse culture and good times unique only to Jamaica and which the resort has managed to capture and promote. The evening's proceedings started off with complimentary cocktails courtesy of one of the sponsors J. Wray and Nephew Company Limited, in the resort's nicely decorated Village Square, venue for the opening welcome party. Also adding spice to this wonderful setting, were Annette Salmon, marketing manager of Jamaica Standards Product Company Limited, who had on offer iced Blue Mountain coffee beverage in a sexy rich blue 9.5 ounce bottle. She was accompanied by the very beautiful Raquel Brown, marketing representative with the company.

Piping hot and burning

The atmosphere went from the warm welcome to piping hot and burning, as Jamaica and one of the Caribbean's finest, Fab Five entered to blast off the beach bash, the pirates and wenches grand treasure hunt and costume party. They were eventually joined by Gem Myers, one of Jamaica's premier singers who in her own unique and inimitable style, delivered a scintillating one hour performance.

The next day saw guests sharing in off-property outings; demonstrations in the blending of rum; the process behind creating the right blend and making the ideal cup of coffee, compliments of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory Company Limited. They also learnt the art of rolling cigars, playing steel drums and the latest reggae dances. There was a Chinese cooking class and demonstration and the world famous Chinese dragon dance, a pool pan party and a night time entertainment package with the incomparable Ashe and cabaret star Alecia Flemmings.

There was a Jamaican revival party, a beach party on the Friday morning just after the amusing goat races, lunch time parties each day which preceded daily fashion shows and an afternoon jam on Friday. Some of the island's and the Caribbean's finest entertainers and music legends such as Errol Lee and the Bare Essentials Band, Etna (Saturday night), the Hatfield Group and the fabulous Georgia Henry also performed. Merritone Disco rocked the village square from 10:30 p.m. from the Friday until the wee hours of Saturday, adding the right touch of party-chic that simply rocked to Grand Market on Saturday, which highlighted a wonderful selection of Jamaican art, craft, keepsakes, clothing and souvenirs.