(Left)Don Creary with Paul Hoo of Supreme Ventures. (Right)Daryl Vaz, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart and Mayor of Port Maria Bobby Montague seem to have a lot to talk about at Don Creary's 40th birthday party.- Contributed

For many people this was just another year but for St. Mary politician, Don Creary, it marked his monumental 40th. Thrown for him by his close friends and family, the party is still being talked about. The event was held in Cooper's Hill, St. Andrew, on Friday, December 29 and attracted many of the friends, colleagues and family the ebullient politician had gathered along the way.

In keeping with his love for things Scottish, the decor featured red, white and tartan fabric beautifully draped behind a grand red carpet that welcomed guests. Welcome drinks included sorrel mimosa, quite appropriate for the time of year, mint mimosa, a truly 'green' inclusion, were offered while each invitee signed the guest book before being ushered into the party area.

The thumping rhythms of Andrew Henry of Renegade Disco took the party up a notch. Offerings of manish water and seafood soups complemented the mingling and the welcoming smiles of the man of the moment with his beautiful wife, Ayesha, by his side. Don's children, Kerriane, Christopher, Donnay and Donice were also on hand to share the festivities.

sharing memories

Brief formalities, started with his mom Norma Creary whose, "This is my son in whom I am well pleased," elicited loud applause. Long-time friend Joey Issa, shared some memories of their mutual growth and achievement. Opposition Leader Bruce Golding and chairman of the Sandals group, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart also toasted the birthday boy and touted him as a loyal friend.

The formalities ended with the cutting of a magnificent cake created by Selena Wong. Local reggae artiste Richie Stephens, also celebrating his 40th, led the gathering in singing the birthday song.

The buffet included fish moghlai, chicken Madras, sweet and sour pork, beef Chinese style, chicken with black mushroom as well as smoked ham and turkey. A seafood station, offered Whitebones Seafood's, roasted conch and succulent shrimp.

guests

Among those enjoying the fun were: Karl and Pauline Samuda, Derrick Smith, Senator Trevor MacMillan and his wife Peaches, Gregory and Michelle Mayne, Paul and Sue Hoo, Adam Harris and Lise-Anne Hoo, Donovan and Michelle Perkins, Saleem Lazarus, James and Charlene Robertson, Asha Issa, Brian George, Brian and Shelagh Jardim, Ian Dear, Garth and Kimiesha Walker, Leighton and Aida Davis, Errol and Diana Singh, Chandu Maragh, former WI cricket team captain Jimmy Adams, Justice Billy Walker, Peter and Donnia Bovell, Brian 'Ribby' Chung and Danielle Kavanaugh, Al Edwards, Janet Silvera, Daryl and Annmarie Vaz, Bobby Montague, Harold Brady, Dean and Kim Lee, Mark Shields and Keneea Linton, Gassan Azan, Wilver and Saveeta Castro, Royland and Leela Rosales, Metry Seaga, Anthony Boyd, Barry Chisholm, Michael Creary and Marcia McDonnough, Richard and Andrea Creary, Solomon Sharpe, Senator Arthur Williams, Stephen Steele and a host of others.