Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
Left: Contractor General Greg Christie with wife Jan at Kenny Benjamin's New Year's Eve party, held at Montgomery Road, Stony Hill on Sunday, December 31. Right: The inseparable duo, Steve and Betty-May Ashley. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Oh my word, what a simply fabulous season! Dearhearts, whatever the reason, the fabulous were determined to see out 2006 in fine style, and even more determined to welcome 2007 in equally if not grander style!
Suffice it to say, it has been one memorable season from Port Antonio through to Negril, there were some awesomely happening affairs that really summed up the 2006 party season, and in a word it was: unrepentantly fab!
To be sure, the writing was always on the wall as indeed, from the staging of the annual Pulse Christmas Eve shindig, it was clear that the fabulous and the chic were in the mood to celebrate.
Dears, there are really two unofficial indicators that social observers use in determining just how successful a party and or season will be, and the two are (not necessarily in order of pre-eminence) but these time-honoured traditions are:
1. If there is a rush on by the uninvited to 'secure' invitations to a particular do!
2. If there's a rush of Jamaicans living abroad and or the internationally hot-crowd, to make it a Jamaican holiday!
International celebrities
The Bovells made it a family affair at Terra Nova Hotel in St. Andrew on Sunday night. From letf: Michelle Bovell, her husband Chris Bovell, daughter-in-law, Donnia Bovell and her husband Peter Bovell. - photo by Donnia Gomez
Well my dears, the international celebrities and Jamaicans living abroad were jetting in like everybody's business. And as for those seeking invitations to the fabulous parties, the pre-eminent party of the season is the annual New Year's Eve, shindig hosted by Kenny Benjamin, at his Stony Hill residence.
Now Laurie and Ruth Hussey, entered the fray this year, and pumpkins, here the rush was indecent as the would-be hob-knobbers worked the telephones, their contacts to try and make the cut.
And so, y'all know that with this much activity, these two doos were all set to sizzle!
Well add to this the tones of Jamaicans returning home for the annual Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations and you know we are talking nothing but a sensational season ending smasheroni here!
Luvs, the fabulously wealthy and lovely grand Duchess of Austria, Francesca von Habsburg, jetted in from one of her Austrian castles for her Alligator Head retreat over there in Port Antonio, and made it happen like only she can!
Industrialist and businessman extraordinaire Ron DeMajo and his lovely wife Francesca De Majo, of Malta, jetted in from St. Marten.
The celestially wealthy Paul Allen, cruised in on his mega yacht, the floating palace the Octopus, and dropped anchor off the Oracabessa coastline, but more anon.
British Labour Party long-serving MP Dianne Abbot flew in for the season.
As did Jamaican born, British based classical composer Shirley Thomas.
Dr. Michael Zia-Mian and wife Anabella Seaga Zia-Mian and their son Gabriel, flew in from Florida.
As did his brother-in-law Andrew Seaga and his wife Amanda Seaga and their daughter, Chloe, and made one big family affaire.
The fabulous Minna Israel flew in from The Bahamas.
One time actress, radio and TV personality, Kathy Owen flew in and tied the knot with her Spanish beau, Jorge Guerenu and became Kathy Lopez de Guerenu.
Louise Finnegan came in from Haiti, but did not stay to celebrate her birthday today, January 5.
Oliver and Florence Jarchow flew in from Paris.
The absolutely stunningly-head-turningly-gorgeous wonder named Carla Campbell took a break from hotting up the international catwalks!
As did supermodel Jaunel McKenzie, and on the arms of her beau, David Annakie, he of Linkup Media. And the two who met while jetting across the Atlantic, have been inseparable since!
Meanwhile, over in St. Bart's, Anthony and Jeanne Watson, and their offspring James, were celebrating the good life and then some. Like Jamaica, St. Bart's was cooking with celebrities, with The Aga Khan; Bill Gates; Michael Jordan; Brad Pitt, Eddie Murphy and Paris Hilton, among a few of the international celebs who partied in the new year there.
It was however, the Dominican Republic for Michael Lee Chin, as he cruised in aboard his fab luxury yacht the Capri.
It was also the Dom Rep for Joe English, who saw in the new year, on this new hot spot for international celebs.
Back on the Rock however, Ms. bling-bling, Sharon Beckford, celebrated her birthday in the midst of the holidays and the partying on Boxing Day.
Dawn Fuller-Phillips, like Louise Finnegan, will celebrate her very special day today.
And so we say, champagne wishes all around and Beluga treats, as we embrace this fab new year!
Patrons enjoying a good time at Kenny Benjamin New Year's Eve party, held at Montgomery Road, Stony Hill, on Sunday, December 31.
