Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer

Birthday girls American-born Vivian Scott Chew (left) and friend Jackie Rhinehart, who are both involved in the international music industry, blow out the candle to celebrate Scott Chew's birthday.

WESTERN BUREAU:

When New York-based Jamaican freelance journalist Vinette Pryce paid a surprise visit to best friend Vivian Scott Chew's birthday party on May 17, Scott Chew was ecstatic and shocked and repeatedly gasped for breath.

Scott Chew, an American entertainment heavyweight, is still celebrating her 50th birthday (officially on May 14) by staging five expensive parties in three United States cities, Jamaica and Amsterdam in The Netherlands, where the fifth celebration takes place over two days this week. Last Saturday's event was held at the elegant Round Hill Villas in Hanover.

"Oh my God. Oh my God, I can't believe it," Scott Chew said repeatedly, as she stared at Pryce, gripping her chest occasionally. "Why did you do this to me. You are really here," she asked her friend.

Specially ordered fruit cake

Loren Scott, daughter of American entertainment bigwig Vivian Scott Chew, is all smiles with renowned Jamaican music producer/promoter, Clifton 'Specialist' Dillon.

"Yes. I am, and I really wanted to surprise you," Vinette replied, as she handed Vivian a fruit cake, specially ordered from Butter Flake Pastries and decorated with the Jamaican flag.

Incidentally, another of Scott Chew's friends, Jackie Rhinehart (also an American), shares the same birthday and it was also her 50th, which made the evening more interesting.

Scott Chew and Rhinehart are among the movers and shakers in the entertainment industry in the United States. The former was responsible for signing artistes such as Shabba Ranks, Run D Mc, Third World, Sister Soldier, Erica Baddu, Patra and many others to top labels, such as Sony Records, ASCAP, among others. Rhinehart has done similar work.

Scott Chew now heads her company, Time Zone International, which markets and promotes international singers across the globe. She is married to Ray Chew, another music mogul, who has worked Alicia Keys and is host of 'Showtime at the Apollo' stars.

Scott Chew told The Gleaner why she chose Jamaica as one of the preferred party destinations. "I first came to Jamaica for my 30th birthday, as a gift from someone. I fell in love with the people and the island and we remain inseparable," she said with a big smile. She added that each party is in celebration of each decade of her life, and she plans to have parties annually as of next year.

Close friends of Vivian Scott Chew (left) raise a toast in celebration of the American's 50th birthday. Scott Chew was holding her fourth of five birthday parties at the Round Hill Villas in Hanover, on Saturday, May 17. - Photos by Noel Thompson

Vivian Scott Chew (second left), a well-known American figure on the international entertainment scene, poses with Jamaican friends - Vinette Pryce (left), a journalist residing in New York, Winsome Charlton, founder of the Reggae Scoca Awards in Florida, and female artiste Cecile.