Chester Francis-Jackson, Outlook Writer

In the world of Caribbean (particularly Jamaican) politics, where facts are often interpreted based on political allegiance, very few political leaders have ever been given respect for their time, effort and/or contribution to nation building. The tendency has always been one of heaping virulent criticisms upon political office holders and, even worse, attacking them and their integrity with spurious claims and accusations of corruption.

It has been said that a king has little or no honour in his own realm. This is perhaps a very apt description of the political life of former prime minister, eminent jurist and regionalist, P.J. Patterson.

One of the most brilliant political strategists of our time, Patterson, despite being the winningest political leader to date as a strategist and politician, he was very often regarded as an underachiever, despite evidence to the contrary. And as the nation's longest-serving prime minister to date, Patterson's legacy, especially in the area of foreign direct investment, as well as infrastructural redevelopment, particularly the island road network, is unparalleled. Equally, his record as a Caribbean regionalist is unquestioned, his negotiating skills often deployed in the furtherance of Caricom unity and its integration.

Given Caricom award

In recognition of Patterson's contribution to Caricom, the nation states have conferred upon him, its highest honour - the Order of the Caricom Community.

To celebrate the esteemed honour, Continued from 7

as well as to thank the friends and associates who in no small part have supported him over the years, on Monday of last week, he hosted a reception at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel's ritzy Talk of the Town Restaurant and, luvs, we are talking star time here and nothing but!

Dears, it was an assemblage of not only the nation's leading thinkers, movers and shakers, it was an august gathering the likes of which might not have ever before been seen in the nation's capital!

We are talking nothing but top-drawer here, my dears, and then some, and little wonder as the mood of those in attendance was this is a beloved son of the rock, one in whom we are well pleased. The result was an outpouring of genuine affection and admiration for the very accomplished honouree!

Dears, there was a ceremony of acknowledgements of sorts which saw former Cabinet Secretary Carlton Davis serving as master of ceremonies. Former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall provided an overview of the award, as well as a list of the other distinguished Caribbean nationals to date who have received it. He was followed by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller who waxed eloquently in her testimonial of her predecessor. And the spirit of admiration and commendation continued when Prime Minister Bruce Golding spoke about Patterson's contribution and skills which made him qualify for the coveted award.

And he was followed by the honouree himself who waxed lyrically and poetically as he thanked those who had bestowed him with the region's highest honour.

Luvs, the affair was scheduled for 7-9 p.m. but dears, it was closer to midnight before the last of the guests had taken their leave. No surprises here, as with premium libations flowing, some delightful nibbles on hand, y'all can imagine we are talking one truly fabulous do. The mood was a celebratory one and proved all that and then some!

Outing of the season

And dears, definitely the power-gaggle and outing of the season! Among the notables sharing in the glory of the occasion were: wife of the prime minister, Lorna Golding; wife of the former governor general, Lady Hall; President of the Senate Dr Ossie Harding and Mrs Harding; Government MP Derrick Smith and wife Karlene; Opposition Senators K.D. Knight, Basil Waite and Sandrea Falconer; Opposition MPs PNP Chairman Bobby Pickersgill, Phillip Paulwell, Dr Wykeham McNeill and Anthony Hylton and wife; Police Commissioner Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin; Bishop Alfred Reid and Mrs Reid.

Also seen were: Indian High Commissioner Mohinder Grover; Mrs Yvonne Gittens Josephs of Trinidad and Tobago; Sir Alister and Lady McIntyre; Ambassador David Muirhead; Ambassador Maxine Roberts; Tunty Barrett and wife Ambassador Madge Barrett; Ambassador Wayne McCook; Lensley Wolfe; John Issa, wife Aida and their twin daughters Muna Issa and Zein Issa-Nakash with her hubby Christopher Nakash; Danny and Shirley Williams; Mike Fennell; Barry Watson and Mrs Watson.

We saw the esteemed Hopeton Caven; Professor Errol Morrison; Dr Simon Clarke; security mogul Kenny Benjamin; Yvon and Cynthia Desulme; Dr Vin Lawrence; Lance and Barbara Johnson; Jack and Jean Wilmot; Nathan Richards; Fae Ellington; Howard Hamilton; Dr Charles and Corina Meeks; John and Urla Junor; Aloun Assamba; Chris and Kimberley Issa; Audrey Chin; Dr Lawson Douglas; Michael Campbell; Ainsley and Marjorie Henriques; Mr and Mrs Gordon Tewani; Milverton Reynolds, D.T. Brown; Raymond Reece and wife Mary-Ellen; Seragh and Effie Lakasingh; Noel and Jacqueline DaCosta; Trevor Patterson and wife Wyvolyn Gager; Anthony and Jeannie Bell; Ryland Campbell; the lovely Sandra Shirley; Roosevelt Thompson; the lovely Marilyn Bennett; Dr Winty Davidson; Roy and Dell Hutchinson.

Also out were: Dr Hugh Vaughn; Steve and Betty Ashley; Milton Samuda; Ken and Marion Mason; Saleem Lazarus; the lovely Diane Watson; Paul Campbell; André Earle; Earl Samuels; the charming Shirley Henry; Ralph Fisher; Doreen Frankson; Alston Stewart; the Rev Devon Dick and wife Mary; Delano Franklyn; Linda Baldie; St John Hutton; Michael and Andrea Vaccianna; Anthony Haynes; Paul Campbell; the très elegant Debra Hamilton; Julian Robinson; Dawn Young; Robert Stephenson; and P.J. Patterson's son, Richard, and grandchildren, Nikos and Elan, plus a number of others.