Miss Jamaica World 2007, Zahra Redwood.
Chester Francis-Jackson, Freelance Writer
And so, me daahlings, the hot buzz about town is that the absolutely divine first lady of Jamaica music, model/ dancer/actress/international diva, Grace Jones, has been invited to visit Jamaica, and very soon!. No word yet when she will arrive, but the fabulously hot Ms. Jones is originally from Spanish Town.
She took the European world of fashion and music by storm before becoming a cult-like figure on the New York underground club scene. Later, she became a Hollywood hot number, but she has not been to Jamaica in a while, so the buzz is all about the red-carpet reception and welcome the organisers of her visit are planning!
And there are also moves afoot to have disco diva, the hot Donna Summer, perform here in Jamaica by year-end! Word is, discussions to have the sultry diva perform in Kingston and Montego Bay are in the preliminary stages, but all things being equal and her schedule allowing, she should be here strutting her stuff between year-end and the first quarter of '08, so pumpkins, wait for it!
And still speaking of international celebrities, doves, the preferred destination all of this week, is no place other than the fabulous Grande Lido Braco Resort and Spa in Braco, Trelawny.
My dears, it's all about the American Black Collegiate's week-long shindig at the fab resort. And y'all know with some 300 or more college graduates in attendance, we are talking one almighty outing here!
Dubbed the Inaugural Jamaica 360 Sun Festival, the week-long event is billed as an empowerment forum and career expo for the next generation of black leaders, and is designed to sensitise the recent graduates from black colleges and universities in the U.S. to the challenges and expectations that will face them when they enter the 'real world'.
Host of celebrities
emcee Fae Ellington
To this end, my dears, the organisers are flying in celebrities such as Essence magazine's editorial director, the awesomely fabulous Susan Taylor; the legendary Stevie Wonder; hip-hop icon Doug-E-Fresh; actress Regina King and a host of other black personalities to share with the graduates their particular path to their current status.
But the beauty of it all is that the event launched with an initial donation by actor/comedian Eddie Griffin, who himself jetted in for the affair, will also feature comedy and musical entertainment offerings for the graduates. The brainchild of Xavier Artis, known as the creative philanthropist, and presented by Recycling Inspiration (RI), a cause-related international brand marketing company, and sponsored by Blue World Travel, pioneers of African American theme cruises and travel; SuperClubs, owners/operators and innovators of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean; and Air Jamaica, the event is designed to ensure that the next generation of leaders step out on sure footing.
Sponsoring partners include the Jamaica Tourist Board, Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture, Black Collegian magazine, Upliftment Jamaica, Black Meetings and Tourism, Gary Foster (Phat Farm), KLJH FM, X-Site Radio, Marilyn Artis and Cheryl Duncan and Company.
Rave reviews
Then, my dears, for all those who were busy second-guessing the judges decision in adjudging the fabulous Zahra Redwood, Miss Jamaica Universe 2007, imagine the host of humble-pie they must be now choking on, as since her arrival in Mexico for the May 28 Miss Universe pageant, the dreadlocked Rastafarian beauty has done nothing but earn rave reviews for her poise grace and beauty, not to mention her excellent role as a goodwill ambassador for her country!
Daahlings, to say they love her in Mexico city, would be to do the host country and injustice, especially as it is well known in international beauty circles, that the Latin and Central American countries, when hosting this prestigious beauty pageant have always reserved their love and support for their own and or neighbours.
Well my daahlings, enter the fabulous Zahra, and all bets are off, as the stylish beauty is the quiet storm now sweeping Mexico City! And, honeys, the fab thing here being the international press and paparazzi can't get enough of the petite beauty!
Birthdays
And speaking of May 28, my dears, it will be nothing but an intimate get-together on that day as the Honourable Edward Seaga, former Prime Minister now distinguished fellow at the UWI, Mona, and soon-to-be-published author (his memoirs are due this time next year) celebrates his day. Toasts there will be a-plenty, and lots of partying too, but not of the bashment mode, so this one will be a small and very intimate to-do, with attendance reserved for immediate family and close friends, as son Christopher Seaga, also celebrates his birthday on the 28th.
And belated birthday wishes to former first lady, the regal Mitsy Seaga who celebrated her very special day two Wednesdays ago.
And the affable general manager Kevin Levee of Hedonism 111 resort near Salem and Runaway Bay, and his daughter Spencer will both celebrate on Saturday, May 26. Broadcaster Fae Ellington will blow out her candles on May 28 and this paper's Lifestyle Editor Barbara Ellington marks her special day on May 29.
On the 23rd, it will be all about Labour Day here in Jamaica, but in Los Angeles, actor/playwright/director Michael Phillip Edwards will be partying up a storm as he celebrates his birthday with friends and family, as he awaits news on his expected new project. And today being the 18th, fashion belissima Dawn Chambers Henry will be blowing out the candles on her birthday cake with hubby, publisher and Opposition MP Mike Henry, at their St. Andrew home, come party-time! Many happy returns all around and champagne toasts and beluga treats!!
And fresh on the triumph of their EU Day reception, their Excellencies Marco and Fiela Mazzocchi-Alemanni leave Jamaica this weekend for their Moroccan home, on a vacation that will see them return to Kingston around mid-June!
Jacques Stakenborg is the EU Deputy head of delegation, and not Elisabeth Helstrom. Come tomorrow its all about the AFJ's Peacock Ball in South Florida, and the Jamaican contingent is already ensconced in the Ritz-Carlton, and ready and waiting to party, so let the partying begin!
