Celebrating in fine style

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

It's been almost a decade since the Denis O'Brien-led Digicel, moved into the Jamaican telecommunications waters and not only became a major force, but upended all traditional beliefs and concepts when it comes to establishing, promotion and marketing of a new company.

It was so effective, it not only redefined the marketplace, it virtually transformed it, and the competitors are still reeling from the 'Digicel effect'. And what an effect it has been. Since opposition spokesman on telecommunications Phillip Paulwell's liberalisation of the market, the Jamaican consumer has been reaping the rewards with greater access, affordability and improved service and efficiency from the various players in the market. Interestingly, Digicel, who first broke the Cable and Wireless stranglehold, continues its brand building, by providing customers with upfront and personalised service that is so endearing, it makes loyal customers of even the most transient user. So effective has been the Digicel transformation of the mobile landscape, there are those who refer to the periods before Digicel and after Digicel as the BD and AD periods, respectively.

Power-packed launch

The remarkable feat of making Digicel an international household word in the industry was no easy task, but clearly, one built on dedication and the choice to first engage the Jamaican consumer not as a customer, but as an ally in sports, culture, and everyday life, transforming the company from a rank outsider to preferred friend. It's that approach which has put them in good stead and that was quite evident last Saturday, when the company launched its latest product, its 4G WiMax wireless Internet connection, at Hope Botanic Gardens, in what was a power-packed launch.

Talk about a red carpet roll-out! Move over Hollywood! Kingston, Jamaica is the new centre of high style and chic. Digicel not only redefined the idea of a product launch, they created social and telecommunications history with one fell swoop! Think hot, add fab, and throw in leading members of the social and political elite! Then think fashionistas, the chic, and of course techies, and add the latest in e-gadgetry, such as those which greeted guests as they were met by a hostess sporting an iPad or the latest e-notebook. After being warmly welcomed, drink orders were taken on one of these gadgets and moments later, a waitress would appear bearing those libations! It was top-shelf all the way with fabulous entertainment by Tessanne Chin, her sibling, Tami Chynn, and a special performance by Tami's husband, Wayne Marshall, was streamed live from Junction, St Elizabeth, via 4G! There was a simply scrumptious fare, premium mixes, divine petit fours, white and brown chocolate orbs stuffed with Hennessey, and all sorts of other goodies.

Among those out joining the host, Digicel's Mark Linehan and his lovely wife, Leisha, were: former Prime Minister Edward Seaga and wife, Carla; House Speaker Delroy Chuck and wife, Pat; Security Minister Senator Dwight Nelson; Opposition MP and Spokesman on Telecommunications Phillip Paulwell; Opposition Senator and Spokesman on Education Basil Waite; Ann-Marie Vaz; Commissioner of Customs Danville Walker and wife, Sharon; head of the Office of Utilities Regulation Ahmad Zia Mian and Mitsy Seaga; Richard and Diana Stewart; Capt. Michael and Thalia Lyn; Hayden Singh and daughter Samantha; Dale and Nicola Lurch; Richard and Jacinth Byles; Donavan and Michelle Perkins; Brian and Lisa-May Pengelley; Noel and Jacqueline DaCosta; Anthony and Erin Chang and son, Matthew; Mystic Mountain's Mike Drakulich; Harry Smith; chair of the Digicel Foundation, Lisa Lewis; Trevor Johnson; world sprint king, Usain Bolt; Jamaica Tourist Board's Deputy Director David Shields; Stephen and Shelly Chang; musician extraordinaire Paul Kastic; Red Stripe's Safia Cooper; the dapper Garth Walker; the lovely Debra Taylor; Coke's Christopher Hardy; Marsha Wilson-Maxwell; Dennis Lee; the simply gorgeous Candace Buchannan; Michael-Anthony Cuffe Jr; plus several others. See more in Sunday's Outlook.

Then, it's the sign of Virgo and the word is, bring it on, so celebrations are here aplenty!

Celebrating today is international hotelier Ron Droegmyer. Tomorrow, those celebrating are: Indian High Commissioner Mohinder Grover; Mara Mandara Jarchow; musician extraordinaire Paul Kastic; and Flow's Alex Haq. On Sunday, the fabulous Cecile Levee, will be basking in the love of her family and friends. Phillippa Saffron Sauterel celebrates on Wednesday September 1, Paul Jackson celebrates the next day in New York, businessman Chris Nakash and architectural engineer Nafthalie Floyd Walsh, both celebrate their birthday next Friday.

Belated birthday wishes to: Sherida Sharpe Dujon and Dawn King, who both celebrated yesterday; The very charming attorney, Andrea Rattray, of the law firm, Rattray Patterson Rattray; and Rajee Jackson who celebrated on Wednesday; the lovely Lisa McHayle, in Mandeville, who celebrated on Tuesday; and to Sandra Minott-Phillips, who celebrated last Friday.

Champagne wishes all around, with Beluga treats.