Simpson Miller's red carpet gala

Now, it has been said but not acknowledged often enough and practised even less, that to whom much is given, much is expected! This is perhaps more so of the Honourable Portia Simpson Miller. And since her elevation to leader of the People's National Party, and her stint as prime minister, hers has been a very unenviable task. Curiously, in other societies, the advent and story of the rise to the top of the political establishment of Simpson Miller would be one that is celebrated. Historians, novelists and others of that ilk would rush to pen her story, as it is one of the incredible achievements. Instead she is lambasted by many not on her ability or lack thereof, but simply to mask their dislike of her humble background and absence of solid middle-class upbringing.

So, Simpson Miller, a veteran politician who has served this country for over four decades, in various capacities, under the banner of the PNP, is a very hard row to hoe!

Anyway, there's no gainsaying her commitment and dedication to advance issues and policies, and where practicable, to institute changes to the benefit of the underclass. And it is in this respect that the Portia Simpson Miller Foundation (PSMF) was launched - the non-partisan organisation designed to reflect the character of its patron whose selfless passion for her country transcends politics. Her fervent desire to build a cohesive and inclusive nation where all its citizens are equipped with the necessary tools and support to charter their own destiny, is intrinsic in the formation of this foundation. This perhaps accounts for her political popularity with the underclass.

foundation's mandate

Now the mandate of the foundation is the engendering and facilitation of our people here and in the diaspora with a sense of patriotism to country rather than political one-upmanship. To this end, the foundation's charter includes the hosting of seminars and workshops designed to capture persons from all different backgrounds and influences, to channel the positives of the nation into a more wholesome national agenda and discourse. This is with a view of marrying the talent of the privileged with mentoring and sponsoring educational opportunities and capacity of those, who, based on financial constraints, would become more productive citizens.

In this respect, the foundation teamed with a number of individuals and organisations, such as Playing for Change Foundation of Los Angeles, California initiated by Grub Cooper to build a number of recording studios in designated inner-city and rural communities, to be operated by the foundation on behalf of these communities. It also seeks to tap into national and international resource to harness and channel the potential of many in the areas of sports, athletics, art, craft and cultural exploits, in an attempt to build the community and nation, one life at a time!

As The Most Hon Edward Seaga is quoted as once saying, "It takes cash to care"! And so the goals of the foundation are being realised through the charity of many corporate entities and individuals. But the primary source of funding for the many projects is through its annual fund-raising gala.

Well, my dears, the annual PSMF fund-raising gala was scheduled way before the whiff of elections were in the air, and was hosted on November 18 in Norbrook. And not only did it prove to be a fabulous event, but had the wow-factor and then some!! In a word my dears - fabulous!

red-carpet entry

We are talking red-carpet entry, amplifying the sense of occasion, and a potent mix of the entrepreneurial, social, professional and political classes that made for a most charming meld. Add to this a simply marvellous and cosmopolitan fare, and fabulous libations in a most idyllic and flora rich gardens that made for a fab do. Accented by bistro tables and lounge booths, you know we are talking perfect style here! And with the fabulous Lorraine Fung taking catering honours, y'all know we are talking deliciously good and then some!

And so it was, with the foundation's patron looking positively and flawlessly radiant in red, her signature coif completed her regal bearing!

Luvs, it was not an evening or event about politicking, as it was simply not that kind of a do! This was about the philanthropists among us, once again reaching out to contribute to making the lives of others become more productive through educational access and opportunities!

Those in attendance included MPs Dr Peter Phillips, Phillip Paulwell, Ronald Thwaites; the simply stunning Lisa Hanna and companion Richard Lake. Also in attendance were Senators Norman Grant, Mark Golding and his wife, Sandra; Senator Sandrea Falconer; legal luminary and former MP Abe Dabdoub and his brother Jalil. Also out were the charming Jennifer Edwards; pre-eminent jurist Churchill and Angella Neita; Professor Archie McDonald; Dr Winston Davidson; Dr Milton Hardy; Las Chin; security conglomateur Kenny Benjamin, Sameer Younis and his fab wife, the elegant Leila; Milade Azan; Steve Khemlani and wife Karishma; banker Ryland Campbell; the charming Marjorie Burrows; Chris Berry; Steve and Betty-May Ashley; Peter Thomas; Owen Tibby; Jack and Audrey Shirley; Al Webb; the lovely Betty Barrett-Thompson; Richard Burgher and the charmingly fabulous Marilyn Bennett. Trade unionist Lambert Brown, Albert Gray, Angela Amir, Robert Dunbar and his lovely wife Lavonne, Donovan Mayne, the fab Sonia Rickards, attorney Daniel Thwaites, the fab Ingrid Green, Wayne Sutherland and wife the lovely Patricia Duncan-Sutherland, Anthony Pearson, Garfield Salmon of NCB; Heather Asphall of Digicel; Oliver Tomlinson, also of NCB; Macada Ramjeet; Robert Whyte of FirstCaribbean Bank; Stella Sandler; Dayton Campbell; Michael and Delores Bromwell; Denton Woodbine; Courtney Campbell; Raymond and Jacky Donaldson, hotelier and businessman Christopher Jarrett; banker Michael Willacy; the charming Deborah Hickling; Seya Henry-Wilson; Charles Gangasing; Councillor Angela Brown Burke; Vinette Oxford; plus scores others, including a number of the foundation's beneficiaries!