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Denis O'Brien takes the Hummingbird

Published:Sunday | November 27, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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Keneea Linton-George wears her own creation to the American Friends of Jamaia (AFJ) gala in New York.
Powerful women (from ldft) Dr. Karen Hillard and Former United States Ambassadors to Jamaica Brenda LaGrange Johnson and Sue Cobb smile for the camera
Debra Edwards was spotted at the AFJ gala.
The Reverend Russell Awkard, his wife United States Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater (centre) and Paula Kerr-Jarrett.
AFJ Executive Director Caron Chung with Barron Channer and Juliet Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his radiant wife, Juliet, at the AFJ gala.- photos by Marjorie Flash
Keisha Phillips, the fabulous former executive director of the AFJ, smiles for the camera.
This photo shines the spotlight on the hot and sassy New York designer Dianne Pottinger
A superior performer, Jacqueling Grant, who is responsible for The Waldorf's front-office operations, and her hubby, Mel, were also at the gala.
Georgeous women Yvonne Wilks (left) and Jackie Chance make it a black and white affair.
The fabulous New York fashion designer Anne Bowen in her own creations.
Fashionista Ann-Marie Vaz took the creative genius of Jamaican fashion designer Shenna Carby to the American Friends of Jamaica Gala in New York on November 18.
Former United States Ambassador to Jamaica, J. Gary Cooper and his wife, Beverly, pose for Outlook at the 30th anniversay Hummingbird Gala held at the Capitale in New York on Thursday, November 17.
Nova Ramsay and her husband, Karl, son of Mandeville's Mayor Brenda Ramsay were out at the gala.
Monica Ladd is fabulous in black at the gala.
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Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

New york: Digicel Chairman Denis O'Brien has lauded the 30-year-old American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) for its focus and dedication to improving the lives of all Jamaicans.

He was making his response after receiving this year's AFJ Hummingbird Award for international achievement at the annual Hummingbird Gala and Banquet held at the Capitale in New York on Thursday, November 17. The Digicel chairman got support on his big night by a contingent, including Colm Delves, Digicel Group CEO; CEO for Jamaica, Mark Linehan; Lisa Lewis, chairman of the Digicel Foundation; Jean Lowrie-Chin of PROComm; Harry Smith, director; Trisha K. Thompson, foundation director/corporate relations manager; Major General Robert Neish, vice-chairman of the foundation; Heather Asphall, Group CEO/executive assistant; Antonia Graham, group head of public relations; and Ken Mason, business development director.

O'Brien described the love of Ireland for Jamaica as "coming home from home" and said the deep friendships and relationships built over the years have gone like a blur but that was only possible because of the talented Jamaicans who had made a significant impact on Digicel's business in Jamaica.

"Yes, we are out to make a profit but we are also about creating community leaders and our foundation is one way of achieving that," O'Brien said, underscoring some of the tangible proof shown in an earlier video presentation that highlighted some of Digicel's achievements in Jamaica and Haiti. But the Irish giant did not stop there. He spoke of the much-anticipated rebirth of downtown Kingston and of leading the way by building his corporate headquarters there (to be opened next year) and invited other corporate moguls in the room to "come on down with us".

special highlights

Among the night's special highlights were live video telecasts of former United States President Bill Clinton and His Royal Highness, Britain's Prince Charles. President Clinton congratulated his friend O'Brien whose company had done well and who was giving back as a result.

"I thank you for your tireless work in Haiti, for all you have done and all you continue to do in Jamaica and the Caribbean," he said. Prince Charles lauded O'Brien for the work the Digicel Foundation had done to assist his trust in Rose Town.

"I have followed the work of the AFJ and congratulate your efforts as only in this way can we end the violence and help the youth to turn their lives around," he said. Special guest at the gala, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who was accompanied by his wife, Juliet, in his brief remarks, thanked all the former ambassadors who continued to help Jamaica in such tangible ways. Describing them as honorary Jamaicans, he noted that for such a small country, Jamaica had touched the world in culture, way of thinking and way of life.

"We have a small economy that is struggling to provide for all its citizens, therefore, the work of the AFJ is significant in filling many great areas of need and, on behalf of the people of Jamaica, I thank you for it," he said.

afj executives

The AFJ is headed by its president, Ambassador Sue Cobb (retired), honorary chairs Ambassadors Audrey Marks and Pamela Bridgewater and a board of directors comprising James A. Cada, Barron Channer, Ambassador J. Gary Cooper (ret), Sylvia Engel, Sydney Engel, Manuela Goren, Ambassador Glen Holden (ret), Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson (ret), Mark Jones, Lorraine Lorenc, Ambassador Stan McLelland (ret), Dr Laura Tanna and Lacy Wright Jr.

Proceeds of the silent auction will go towards much-needed scholarships and other charities in Jamaica. The gala, which had begun with cocktails and viewing the items for auction, ended with a fabulous performance by the legendary Third World. Guests shed their high heels, let down their hair and danced the night away, a fitting end to a magnificent evening.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com