Take 51 for Vivica

Star celebrates birthday in Ja

WESTERN BUREAU:

American actress and television producer Vivica Fox jetted into Montego Bay with family and friends on Friday to celebrate her 51st birthday at the elegant Tavern at the White Witch, Rose Hall Great House property.

The vivacious Fox who looked every bit the diva in a raspberry jumpsuit, got the party started as soon as she danced in at 8:30.

"Wow! It is so great to be here in one of my favourite places in the world - the beautiful city of Montego Bay, to celebrate my 51st birthday. I am especially happy because my brother, Marlon, who is here with me also shares my birthday. I am also happy that all of you are here to celebrate with me, and I thank God for blessing me and giving me another year," she said.

Douglas Gordon, managing director Ocean Style Magazine, who said the company has a wonderful relationship with the star, expressed how pleased they were to have invited her back to Jamaica to celebrate this milestone.

"We took this option to bring Fox here to do something special for her and her family and friends. I have done stuff in Montego Bay for the past eight years, and we are committed to celebrating and bringing attention to the great city Montego Bay with a good mix of commerce and tourism product," shared Gordon.

New York-based Barbadian singer, Dwane Antonio, serenaded the birthday girl with Your Number One Fan while Fox and her guests dined.

However, it was, Montego Bay-based cabaret act Alisa Flemming-Shaw who got the full attention of Fox and her guests.

Flemming-Shaw with her flawless vocals sang the Phyllis Hyman hit Old Friend, which captivated the interest of Fox and her guests. Flemming-Shaw's performance moved Fox and local media personality Khadine 'Miss Kitty' Hylton to their feet with Fox calling out for more to which Shaw willingly obliged.

During the tributes, Hylton shared: "You are simply wonderful and fabulous and exude excellence and beauty and grace." She then entreated Fox to learn some Jamaican dance moves.

Internationally acclaimed chef Collin Brown, who found fame in London, for his Jamaican-European culinary fusion, had the party dining on a five-course meal which included sweet potato vichyssoise, shrimp with Scotch bonnet chilli sauce and salmon ceviche which was chosen by Fox herself. Beef Wellington, which incorporated Jamaican patty crust and chicken roulade, rice and peas crochet, and for dessert - corn brulÈe with fresh mango purÈe.

Local fashion designer Lisa McIntosh, of Neahlis Designs, brought out the signature birthday cake done by Forever Sweets with sparking candles giving the cake a jolt of excitement.

Fox then took the dance floor soon after inviting guest to dance the night away, which they certainly did.