Happily engaged couple, Nicholas Lynch and Elena Diedrick.
Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
DEARS, SPARE a thought for the thousands of victims of the South-east Asian tsunami that struck the unsuspecting inhabitants of the affected countries. And, lest we forget, we too suffer the vagaries of Mother Nature from time to time. So let us too, all be generous in prayers, and gifts at this time, as we not only empathise with those still suffering in the wake of the disaster, but actually share in their profound grief and sense of loss as their lot, but for the grace of the gods, could be ours!
In this respect, we commend the efforts of the Consul-General of the Kingdom of Thailand, Thalia Lyn, on the yeoman work she has been doing, in not only raising funds for the victims of the disaster but also for her untiring efforts in attempting to sensitise us to the scope and magnitude of the disaster, and the dislocation it occasioned!
Dears, parties there were
a-plenty over the season, some busy, others buzzing, others even quite memorable.
Among the memorable ones was the absolutely dee-vine little affair Brent Ciurlino and his fabulous wife, Dr. Kim Brown,
hosted at their trés elegant, St. Andrew residence during the peak of the season.
DELIGHTFUL FARE
This one was simply and awesomely fine, with fab-society in attendance, sharing in a most delightful fare done up by Chef Ciurlino, that had guests going ga-ga over the scrumptious fare. And if that was not enough to titillate the taste buds, there was an absolute buffet of champagnes that simply had guests buzzing, and then some!
Also hosting a trés-fab shindig over the season were Peter and Donnia Bovell, who hosted a very smart and quite charming do at their Old Stony Hill residence, that was quite the toast, as here the scions of the fab and well-to-do were out in full regalia; the ponche creme, the belle of the evening!
Peter Fraser hosted a Boxing Day soiree at his Cardiff Hall villa, and had guests jetting in from all over as well as motoring from all across the island for his annual do!
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH
Kevin and Cecile Levee threw a fabulous Christmas Day brunch at their beach front villa over in Runaway Bay, my dears, that was so fab, people are still talking!
And then there was the Hart Richards New Year's Day shindig in Ocho Rios, that not even pelting rain could put a damper on.
And Nicole Haughton chose St. Mary to celebrate her birthday on January 2, and dears, it was quite the party!
John Issa went skiing for his birthday.
And both Louise Finnegan and Dawn Fuller-Phillips celebrated theirs on Wednesday of last week.
Champagne wishes all around!
Then, the rich and famous continue to make it destination Jamaica, as among those jetting in for the holidays were the absolutely fabulous and oh so wealthy Francesca von Hapsburg, who holidayed at her Alligator Head Villa, in Port Antonio.
Also in from London is famed hairstylist to the rich and famous and royals of Europe, Paul Windle and his daughter Olive Windle.
Oliver Jarchow, the son of the head of EU delegation Ambassador Gerd Jarchow, also flew in for the holidays. As did: Jenny Clements, her daughters Kellie Clements, and Kerrie Hall and her hubby Jason; Nikolaus Overtoom and his companion Stacey Williams also made it a Jamaican holiday.
Also spotted were Spike Lee, Mario van Peebles and Lennox Lewis. And, speaking of Ambassador Gerd Jarchow: the word is that the head of the EU delegation and his Jamaican companion, the lovely Mara Mandara, are all set to tie the knot come April, as Ambassador proposed to his belle over the holidays and she accepted, and with that, there's an April wedding in the making!
Now, the buzz is it will be a very private affair restricted to family and very close friends, so congratulations are in order!
Congratulations also to Nicholas Lynch and Elena Deidrick, who got engaged over the holidays, as he popped the question on Boxing Day. Plans are now under way for their nuptials.
Champagne wishes all around and Beluga dreams.
Sadly, Jamaica, will be losing two diplomatic friends next month as the very charming American Ambassador Sue Cobb, and her Russian counterpart, Edward Malayan, both depart in February.
SORELY MISSED
Both will be sorely missed as indeed, Ambassador Cobb has been the most powerful and politically connected to have served her country here, and with her going Jamaica, will be losing a direct contact to the White House.
Russian Ambassador Malayan proved not only a friend but invaluable in promoting trade and cultural bridges between his country and ours, and is considered by his diplomatic colleagues and friends as one of the most rounded diplomats to have served here, his knowledge of contemporary and classical music, art, literature and world affairs, making him sought after company on the diplomatic and social circuits.
Walk good, both of you, and farewell!
And to you, dear readers, the very best of this new year!
