70 & fabulous

Dears, in an age of technology spawning an era of virtual friends, as against friendships built and fostered by the bonds of common experiences, is indeed a gift to be treasured! Especially so, in these times, when what passes for friendship is arrant back-stabbing.

There's nothing like the joy and comfort of being surrounded by long-time friends who have been tried, tested and proven.

As if to emphasise this point, last Sunday, Jeanne Watson celebrated her 70th birthday with a group of true lifelong friends. To mark the occasion, celebrated lawyer Christopher Bovell, his wife, premier socialite Michelle, the lovely Rosie McIver and the affable one-time prince of mercantile, Charles Hanna, all decided on co-hosting a truly novel do. Y'all know we are talking a very special group of friends here. These are the scions of the former ruling social and financial dynasties here in Jamaica, and thus a formidable group of individuals who took up the mantle of their respective families.

To be sure, the vagaries of time have engineered many changes in the personal fortunes of these families. Many had migrated to supposed greener pastures only to return home; but through it all, they remained steadfast in their friendships, and loyal to each other, to the very core.

special occasion

And so it is that with their very dear friend celebrating a very special birthday, they decided that the celebrations to mark the occasion would not be restricted to the traditional, but would indeed be a celebration of friendship by friends.

The location was the famous Gloria's Restaurant in the heart of Port Royal. A carefully hand-picked group of friends were invited to join Jeanne, her husband Anthony and their son James to celebrate the very special day. And celebrate they did with the gusto, befitting the occasion.

Dears, it was a blustery afternoon, made so by some ferocious winds, blowing off the Caribbean Sea and on to the upper deck of one of the Caribbean's foremost seafood restaurants. Luvs, with the women dressed in summery ensembles and the men equally at ease, we are talking a beautifully relaxed outing here.

With guests gathering from as early as midday, imbibing on tropical rum punch and tropical fruit juices, you know we are talking a lazy Sunday here! The hosts welcomed guests and presented them to the birthday girl, sporting a tiara and a cobalt ensemble, all made for a fetching and engagement entrée!

The scrumptious fare on offer included curried lobster, barbecued lobster, escoveitched fish, steamed fish (okra optional), fried bammy, festival, and champagne.

There was no major ceremony either, just a call to order of sorts by the esteemed Chris Bovell, who was master of ceremonies. There was a toast from the husband of the birthday girl, who thanked long-time friend and co-hostess Rosie McGiver for introducing him to his wife many mango seasons ago; a very warm response from the guest of honour, and then it was on to the 'plenary' sessions!

Charming afternoon

Dears, it made for one very charmingly fabulous afternoon and nothing but, as friends shared stories of yesteryear; memories of birthdays past; special anniversaries and moments in the life of Watson and her family.

Among those sharing in the occasion were German ambassador Josef Beck and his very charming wife, Gudrun; the very charming and engaging Peggy Blades; Alexander and Erica Hamilton; the charmingly lovely Dr Barbara Matalon and her daughter, the equally charming and lovely Karen; Christopher and Jill Roberts; John and Jill Andrews; the très elegante Joy Mahfood; Sylvia Collister; Ralph Thompson and his fabulous wife, Doreen, and daughter Stephanie Scott. Also Bon vivant and 'A-crowder' Robert MacMillan; Norman and Jean Wright; Elizabeth and Gordon Hall; the fab Jennifer Lim; Gordon and Phillipa Sharpe; Mrs Ingrid Ziadie; the lovely Judy Michelin; the fab Nicola Mair; Deepak and Veenal Vaswani; daughter and granddaughter of Bovell, Terry Shoucair and daughter Tara; Helen Myers; Martin Viera and Jenny Lopez; Milton and Eunice Morrison; Tina Matalon; Robert and Sandra Ramsey; representing a picture of cosmopolitan flair, the elegant Pauline Simmons; and the très fab Suzanne McManus; plus a number of others.

Indeed, it was quite a fab day and a flawless celebration, unencumbered by pomp but was that much more enjoyable by the social pageantry of it all!