Farewell, Rosheuvel

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

And so, as the flag goes down on the tenure of the Hilton Kingston Jamaica hotel, making way for the Wyndham Kingston, Kingston is losing one fine hotelier and philanthropist, outgoing general manager of the then Hilton, Frank Rosheuvel.

A native of Curaçao who first came to Jamaica to manage the hotel, Rosheuvel transformed it into a leading landmark and social epicentre of Kingston, making it a place to be and be seen, and an oasis for international visitors.

Rosheuvel not only proved himself a hotelier extraordinaire, he fast became a 'Kingstonian' with a passion leading to him becoming one of the central figures as Kingston hosted its first annual inter-national tourism trade show, JAPEX, in 2003.

While he was at home with the nation's movers and shakers and political powerhouses, Rosheuvel will perhaps best be remembered by the 'little people', as it was here he made a lasting impact with his Hilton Charity For Kids, which saw the Hilton partnering with a number of private-sector companies to either build or rehabilitate a number of basic schools across Jamaica. From Bull Bay to Spring Village, they outfitted them with proper recreational and sanitary conveniences and of equal importance, fully equipped computer labs.

The arts did no escape his attention either, and he became a patron of many performing artistes with the hotel becoming synonymous with the works of the celebrated Gene Pearson.

Now, not only will Kingston lose a friend in his departure, it will be losing one of its more vocal resident ambassadors and one can only hope that as he and his family leave our shores, he will take Kingston and Jamaica in his heart, and continue championing the beauty, diversity and extraordinary charm of the city, country and its people. And so we say, 'walk good, Frank'!

Speaking of international do-gooders, the globetrotting Maureen Webber, fresh from her sojourn to Morocco and Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where she was busy lending her support in the global fight against discrimination against the disabled as well as the effort to assist with the recon-struction of our earthquake-ravaged neighbour, is back home and looking forward to tackle those same issues here.

Birthdays

Happy birthday greetings to impresario Jason Robinson, who celebrates his birthday today. Tomorrow, noted attorney Patrick Bailey will celebrate his special day as will the lovely Veneta Creary. International reggae star Mykal Rose, celebrates his special day on Sunday along with the esteemed Donovan E. Nelson. The lovely Rachel Walker-Douglas, formerly of Kingston, now resident of Louisiana; Jai Gairy Smith; the lovely Clarissa 'Cookie' Tanner, of Bridgewater, New Jersey, and Montego Bay habitué. Also, the enterprising Shane McCarthy; and Canadian hunk, model and north coast habitué, Symon Murray - all celebrate their respective birthday on Monday .

Celebrated hotelier Peter Fraser will celebrate on Wednesday July 14 as will acclaimed actor Munair Zacca; the charmingly beautiful Barbara Clarke; the lovely Kerry-Ann Jones; the beautiful sprinter Kenia Sinclair; and the fab Jennifer Lyons.

Distinguished hotelier James Samuels celebrates his special day next Thursday as will the lovely Marie Taylor. Come next Friday, the oh-so-gorgeous Imani Duncan will be blowing out the candles on her birthday cake as she celebrates another year of fab life!

Belated birthday greetings to the pioneering Ionie Ramsey-Nelson, who celebrated her very own special day on June 18; media practitioner-turned-playwright Adrian Nelson, who celebrated on June 26; the esteemed R. Danny Williams who celebrated on July 2; Dana Cuffe on July 3 and hotel magnate Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, who celebrated on Tuesday.

Then, belated wedding anniversary greetings to chef T'John Simpson of Hedonism III, and his charming wife, Tennence Simpson, of Rapid True Value in Ocho Rios, who celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in mid-June, with a weekend escape to beautiful Negril. Many happy returns to the charming couple!

And, speaking of beautiful people, places and things, the fabulous Golden Eye Resort in Oraccabesa, St Mary, has reopened its enchanting doors after closing for refurbishing. Now, y'all know it was all that before, so y'all can imagine it's now the cat's meow, so more anon!