Jesús celebrates Spain's victory

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

In the end, it was perhaps the dream final, Spain versus Holland. Despite being two football powerhouses, neither the Dutch nor the Spaniards had ever claimed football's ultimate prize, and to have them both in the finals, meant that the 2010 championships would see a new champion.

For traditionalists and supporters of football's old guard, this was a very bitter blow. For others, it represented an opening up of the game and was a fitting climax to the decision to stage the game in South Africa, instead of one of the more traditional destinations. Well, when the final whistle went, it was definitely a case of world-wide celebrations for Spaniards everywhere, and naturally, that included Jamaica.

Leading the celebrations here were Spanish Ambassador Jes?s Silva, who had found a new career as an analyst on CVM TV, and won over a number of doubting football fans to become supporters of the Spanish, after his teary-eyed appearance on the show after the team had clinically and skilfully sent the favoured Germans packing. The icing on the cake was Spain's one-nil victory over the Dutch. The ambassador hosted a charming and intimate cocktail reception at his official residence for friends and Spanish nationals to toast a truly historic Spanish victory! No triumphal jingoism or any such carryings-on here, as it was simply just not that kind of a party. There was no escaping the significance of the occasion however. The entertainment patio of the residence was decorated in streamers, boasting the Spanish national colours, while guests were asked to sport the Spanish national team colours (red) and they did for the most part.

There were no speeches or any such official posturing either, just a wonderful lyme with friends and supporters basking in the beautiful afterglow of the Spanish victory. It comes on the heels of the team's European title two years earlier, that served notice that Spain intended to assert its role as a sporting powerhouse. Ambassador Silva's victory reception was a very charming event, with at least four or more varieties of Champagne, other premium libations, plus some local and Spanish delicacies to make for a most charming outing.

Those out sharing in the spirit of the occasion included: Edward and Carla Seaga; Dennis Lalor; Argentinean Ambassador Mario Pino and his lovely daughter Mercedes; Chilean Ambassador Alfredo Garcia and his wife Luz Santa Maria; esteemed businessman and Honorary Consul of Portugal, Paul Issa and his Spanish wife, the lovely Oriente Issa; Capt. Michael and Thalia Lyn; Digicel's Mark Linehan; Bill Clarke; Mark and Betty McKenzie; Dr David McBean; former referee Peter Prendergast; Howard McIntosh; Andre Virtue; plus a number of others.

Then, Kenny Benjamin's birthday celebration at his Old Hope Road Group headquarters was the only celebration in town last Friday, and you can catch all the details in Sunday's Outlook magazine. Among the guests was former Jamaica Defence Force officer, now Al Jazera TV producer/reporter, Darren Jordan, home for a few days. And speaking of birthdays, heartfelt birthday greetings to: the gorgeous Imani Duncan, who celebrates today; as are the lovely Sue Morris and the fab Marie Geddes, formerly of Linstead, St. Catherine, now resident of the Big Apple. Celebrating tomorrow are: international reggae star, Glenroy Washington and the lovely Dainelle Jackson. Lacy Campbell, formerly of Hedonism III, and now of Pembroke Pines, Florida, celebrates on the 19th.

Socialite Leila Younis, Montego Bay's media first lady, Janet Silvera; and the sultry Janica Williams, North Coast habituand Florida resident, all celebrate on the 20th. President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, attorney, Milton Samuda; and television journalist Rohan Daley both celebrate their birthday on July 21. Model and beauty, Parisa Fitz-Henley and former Kingston bodybuilder and one-time manager to OJ Simpson, Delvon 'Bulby' Campbell, celebrate the day after.

And happy belated birthday greetings to: the lovely Sandra Shirley, who celebrated on July 11. PNP Chairman and long-serving Bobby Pickersgill, celebrated on the 12th; as did musicologist and ace DJ Phillip Smith of Hedonism III and Stony Hill; and journalist of long-standing Ken Chaplain, who celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday, with a brunch that also marked his 63rd year as a practicing journalist. Style and fashion arbiter Carmen Brown celebrated on July 13.

Best wishes all around with champagne toasts and beluga treats.