Librans, make way for Scorpios

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

My daahlings, it's that time of the year again, when the fab pack kit and caboodle and jet or motor out of town to laze the weekend away in relaxed style. The preferred locations are Negril, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio, in that order. The fun-loving, thrill-seeking revellers have decided that when the going gets tough, the tough goes partying. And parties there are aplenty!

In Negril, the lure of seven miles of beach is just one of the attractions drawing the party hearty to the famed relaxation town. Another is the highly anticipated annual staging of Mr Caribbean International, the much-celebrated beefcake show, pitting men of the Caribbean and the diaspora against each other for a cash prize, bragging rights and modelling assignments representing the contest organisers.

Being hosted at Hedonism II, the contest is the brainchild of Jamaica-born Dave Smith and April Mullings, residents of Canada, who saw the contest as a method to promote positive images of Caribbean men at a time when their image was less than positive in the world.

Climactic showdown

Now in its eighth year, the contest has become the standard-bearer for men of the Caribbean and Caribbean descent, promoting the diversity of the region. And with the finale set for a fabulous, climactic showdown tomorrow, Negril is definitely the place to be seen!

New York is the news this weekend too, as the American Friends of Jamaica will be hosting its annual Hummingbird Gala and Benefit. In its 29th year, the annual do raises funds for Jamaican charities and will be hosted at the fancy Capitale, located on the fashionable Lower East Side, Bowery Street.

With this year's honouree being Jamaican-born athlete, American Sanya Richards, y'all know we are talking about a high-profile outing here. Some of the United States' leading sports personalities, not to mention bigwigs and socialites, are expected to be in attendance!

On the 30th, however, the fab party on the minds of the fabulous set is definitely Purple Illusion - largely a purple and white affair - set for Rois Villa, on the Lagoon, over in Falmouth. It is easily one of the most fashionable events for Falmouth to raise funds to promote drug awareness and abuse prevention among the youths of western Jamaica.

The buzz is, it will be all that - Hollywood-style purple carpet, paparazzi and all, plus prizes and surprises aplenty, including best dressed couple - naturally, in purple!

And it's still 'reigning' Libras but, come Tuesday the 22nd, they will give way for Scorpios and parties will be there are aplenty ... and then some!

Belated birthday wishes to: the charmingly lovely Scarlett Gillings, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.

Social grande dame

Opposition Member of Parliament Dr Wykeham McNeill; and Jamaica's first lady of music, Myrna Hague Bradshaw; who both celebrated their birthdays on the 10th.

And to the charming Shirley Stanglmayr del Fabio, who celebrated on the second, and was treated to quite the charming and intimate dinner, restricted to friends and hosted by her long-standing friend and confidant, Peter Fraser, in Ocho Rios.

Dawn Woodstock, of the American Women's Group, celebrated on the 13th and fellow member, Deb Schill, will celebrate hers on the 29th.

And today, social grande dame Erica Downer Hamilton, celebrates her birthday, as are the oh-so-fab Jennifer Izzo and Roger Chuck.

Tomorrow, the lovely Elizabeth Barrett-Thompson, banking first lady, dubbed 'Betty' by family and friends, celebrates her very special day. Also celebrating tomorrow are Courtney Laing, the lovely Juliet Thorburn, and the beautiful Gabriel Gormley in Plano, Texas.

On Sunday the 17th, the affable Rae Barrett celebrates his birthday with family and friends. Also celebrating on Sunday are Neil Lewis; Steven Hudson; the lovely Brandon Owen Gibson in Alamo, Texas; and the lovely Yvonne Durrant-Baker, formerly of Linstead, St Catherine, now of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

On Monday the 18th, National Heroes Day, noted lawyer Nesta-Clare Smith-Hunter; hotelier Brian Sang; the charming Elise Yapp, of the award-winning bed and breakfast Blue House Boutique styled property in Ocho Rios; man-about-town and reveller Robert Haughton; the beautiful Shavel Lawrence; and the lovely Michelle Knight all celebrate their very special day with partying aplenty all round!

Parties aplenty

On Tuesday the 19th, Llewellyn Brown, impresario Solomon Sharpe, and Molando Dale, formerly of Hedonism III, now a Chicago resident, celebrate.

Next Wednesday the 20th, Dr Robert Chen, 'Bobby' to friends and family; the beautiful Typhonnie Flynn; the lovely Sheree Francis; the talented Ano Okera will celebrate their birthdays!

On Thursday the 21st, Jamaica's man in China, HE Ambassador Courtenay Rattary, celebrates his birthday. As will former Life of Jamaica vice-president and former United Nations diplomat in Geneva Anil Kalra; Conroy Jackson, of Margaritaville; businessman Leighton Brown, 'Bap' to his friends and relatives, formerly of Linstead/Ewarton, St Catherine, and now resident of Norwalk, Connecticut, all celebrate.

Seeing out the reign of the Librans are the lovely Allison Shaw, daughter of the finance minister; Magnus Blake, in Tega Cay, South Carolina, and formerly of Jacks Hill, St Andrew; the talented Anotolli Smith, in New York; and the lovely Michelle Smith; will all celebrate their birthday next Friday, the 22nd, ending the sign of Libra.

Champagne wishes all around with beluga treats!