The buzz in diplomatic circles is that Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva has had his tour of duty extended for another year. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Correction and Clarification
On Friday, July 10, this column reported that British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell and his fiancee, Dr Barbara Munske, would be leaving the island soon. They will actually be leaving at the end of the year.
It was easily one of the most depressing parties this here scribe has ever attended. And little wonder that it was, as the event was a gathering of friends paying homage to the life, music and talent of the late Michael Jackson. Any such occasion would be laden with the burden of his passing, and thus pregnant with sorrow.
Hosted in upper St Andrew, the 'reception' was more like a wake than anything else, as it was the coming together of a group of friends who, in 1988, flew to New York City to attend the Madison Square Garden (MSG)-leg of the Michael Jackson World Tour.
To commemorate the occasion, the group members and their families and friends decided on hosting a 'Victory Lap' for the late superstar, and what a memorable outing it proved.
Astronomical mark-up
At the 'Victory Lap' on Tuesday, the group of young and free-spirited individuals had now grown into business leaders and leading personalities in politics, trade and industry. Some are married with children who also came to regard Jackson as the single greatest entertainer of this era.
The gathering brought back memories of the concert that was so oversubscribed that scalpers had a field day with tickets, causing some in the party to fork out as much as US$250 for the privilege of attending. And considering that the initial cost of the tickets was under US$20, you know we are talking determination here.
After the concert, the consensus was that despite the astronomical mark-up in the tickets, it was money well and truly spent, as Jackson was phenomenal, his performance so captivating, so riveting, so passionate and emotive, it caused many in the audience to weep openly at his sheer artistic brilliance and showmanship.
At the gathering, his music played in the background, and at the forefront of it all a television screen showing images from the memorial service held earlier in California. Not unlike his concert at MSG, the grown men and women wept openly. And when a number of international calls came in from friends who were also at MSG, to share memories of the concert, there were more tears.
But later in the evening, when they saw a rebroadcast showing images of the tear-filled testimonial from Jackson's daughter, Paris, there was no dry eye among those gathered. Alas, the King of Pop is dead, long live the king!
ATI dream weekend
Speaking of fabulous entertainment and entertainers, it's all systems go for the annual ATI Dream Weekend in Negril during the Jamaican Independence holiday. With the preferred resorts for the orgy of parties being the ultra-hot Hedonism II and its sister property Grand Lido Negril, you know we are talking living it up to the max here with some near two dozen scheduled parties.
Then the buzz in diplomatic circles is that Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva has had his tour of duty extended for another year. Meanwhile, it's soon time to say goodbye to British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell and his fiancée, Dr Barbara Munske, who demits office and take their leave soon. Also taking their leave this summer are Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and his charming wife Jo-Ann, who are set to leave at the end of the summer. And the word is, expect the announcement of a new American ambassador soon.
Birthday wishes to the fab Sue Morris, who celebrates her birthday next Thursday, July 16. Belated wishes to the fabulous Janet Robinson, former model and mother of supermodel Nell Robinson, who celebrated her birthday yesterday. And to Jamaican-born American diplomat Lloyd Jackson, who is at the end of his tour of duty in Afghanistan and is on his way to his new post in Nigeria.
Many happy returns to y'all with champagne toast and beluga treats!