Jamaica at the peak!

Chester Francis Jackson, Gleaner Writer

It seems that Prime Minster Bruce Golding is determined to firmly establish his credentials as a man who is more than a little parsimonious with the truth. His recent rather studious comments to the media regarding Harold Brady and his standing in the Jamaica Labour Party contrast with what later emerged from the party's general secretary.

To this writer, it is now clear that the prime minister cannot be trusted with the truth and, as my dear grandmother of blessed memory was fond of saying of a former neighbour, "If he tells you to walk, pick up speed and run."

Anyway, my darlings, this too shall pass and the country will emerge the wiser and stronger for the experience; so we press on!

Al jazeera anchor

And speaking of the fabulously blessed land, the latest Jamaican to fly the flag in the international arena is former Jamaica Defence Force officer Darren Jordon (one of only three men to have parachuted on to the Blue Mountain Peak in 1984), being currently employed as a senior news anchor for Al Jazeera TV, based in Qatar, in the Middle East.

The former soldier-turned-international news anchor did a highly acclaimed piece on Usain Bolt for Al Jazeera after his world-record sprinting double. Jordon was back to his mountaineering ways recently, hiking to the base camp atop one of the world's highest peaks - Mount Kilimanjaro.

Located in Tanzania, it stands at 19, 314 feet. The climb, along what is commonly called the Rongai Route, was a three-day, two-night trek, with the actual journey to the peak lasting some six hours in arduous conditions, with temperatures sometimes falling to minus eight degrees.

But in the true indomitable Jamaican spirit, while some hikers fell by the wayside, Jordon persevered to the top, hoisting the Jamaican colours at the summit.

Definitely a fabulous, if arduous, feat!

Then, my darlings, come October 23, it's all about New York as the St Catherine High School North East Inc Alumni will be hosting its annual gala dinner and awards banquet under the patronage of Consul General Geneive Brown-Metzger, at the Beckwith Pointe Country Club in New Rochelle, New York. And with past student, Education Minister Andrew Holness, as the slated guest speaker, y'all know this is going to be a hot ticket.

Then, from the Big Apple right back here to the 'ackee pod', it's all about Hedonism II in Negril come September 26 to October 2, as the annual Miss Black Nude International contest returns to the racy resort after a few years' hiatus, and pumpkins how!

Mr Caribbean International

And if hot nude babes is not your thing, October 11 through the 18th will provide the perfect antidote, as the annual Mr Caribbean International contest for men from the region and the diaspora will gather at the resort to do battle for cash prizes and bragging rights, not to mention modelling contracts.

Pumpkins, so many parties, so little time!

Then, congrats to Robert Cartade and wife Carole Issa Cartade, who both celebrated 40 years of marriage last Saturday.

The celebration was an intimate affair, with a shortlist of friends in attendance at the fabulous Couples Tower Isle, St Mary, near Ocho Rios. The couple was showered with love and praise, with many wanting to know the secret of their long marriage!

Naturally, it was a champagne moment, and then some!

And speaking of Couples Tower Isle, dears, the invites are out and it promises to be an October to remember come the weekend of October 9, as Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away both get ready to celebrate their anniversaries.

It promises to be a right royal shindig, and then some, for the many return guests and the shortlist of Jamaican personalities expected for the smasheroni.

More anon, as this is a must-attend.

And belated greetings to Virgo Clarence Williams, who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday the 15th.