THE GLEANER
Jamaica W.I.

March 6, 2009

INTERNATIONAL BUZZ
By Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Well, the much-anticipated feature on WE TV showcasing destination Jamaica, with Lorna Golding as the hostess, was aired on Tuesday night. The reviews are in and international viewers are raving about it!

The consensus is that the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), scored a fabulous public relations and marketing coup with WE TV's Women's History Month programme and the launch of its new First Ladies Tour series, hosted by journalist Deborah Roberts. From east to west coast and down into Florida, the reviews are the same: Lorna Golding acquitted herself very well in her role as an ambassador-at-large, selling Jamaica as the red-hot destination of the moment.

Excellent clips

The show was made that much more fab by excellent clips highlighting some of Jamaica's premier spots such as Round Hill, and the oh-so-spectacularly fabulous Ocho Rios property, Rio Chico, that saw Golding and her guests being hosted by the property manager, Peter Fraser.

Not only did the piece connect with the international viewing audience, it was a hit with Jamaicans across the United States, reawakening feelings of nostalgia in many! Kudos all around to those involved in the production, as it's just what the marketplace needed at this time - positive images of this beautiful island!

And, speaking of things beautiful and the fab, on February 24, one of the island's leading restaurants and wine bars, Wine-With-Me Wine Bar and Restaurant, located in the chic Altamont West Hotel, on Montego Bay' hip strip, celebrated its second anniversary.

The fanfare was reserved for haute-service; preparation and presentation of some of the finest dishes to grace anyone's palate, and of course, the serving up some of the finest wines this side of any vineyard! Wait for the news as there's lots in store for the third anniversary and even before then, as there's simply lots in the making for this place of leisure. It's an oenophile's and gourmet's paradise, with congrats going out to founder and owner/operator, the style rich Cecile Levee.

And, with howling winds and wintry conditions up north, former Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, the much-loved and respected John Robinson jets into the island for some sun and rest and relaxation next week.

Also jetting in for some fun is his successor, the beloved Claudio Valle and his fabulous wife, Louise Valle, who also arrive next week. The invites are already out and it promises to be a very busy few weeks for the former high commissioners, who, through their long association with Jamaica, have many friends of long standing.

Also arriving late next week are Howard Barton and wife Nancy Kalb Barton. The fab couple and their four-year-old daughter will be visiting family and friends in Kingston, before heading for the north coast for some sun and fun, then returning to New York in mid-April. And international financial consultant Brent Ciurlino and his ultra-gorgeous wife Dr Kim Brown Ciurlino now call Texas home.

Also here to visit family and make a presentation to early-childhood education from proceeds of last October's contest, is president of Miss Jamaica UK, June Daley. Welcome home, dear.

And, the fabulous age of Pisces is still upon us with the Pisceans celebrating all over with the fab Candy DePass and Alissa Perry Allen, who both celebrate their very special day today. The celebrations for DePass are slated for Round Hill this weekend as she and beau Robert MacMillan make it a weekend getaway!

Famed musician 'Carrot' Jarrett celebrates his birthday come Monday, in New York, where the ultra-talented, former Third World star now resides. The buzz is it will be a fine do! Tracy Miller Voelk will celebrate on the 10th, with a party at her Beverly Hills home. Former model and leading member of the Kingston chic crowd, the fabulous Kenisha Gooden, celebrates on the 12th as will former broadcaster and public relations expert, the very charming Deborah Hickling and the ever-charming Janet Farrow!

Tied the knot

And, a week from today, socialite and businesswoman, founder of the of fab Jamaican fast-food chain, Island Grill, and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Thailand, Thalia Lyn, will celebrate her birthday. Also celebrating next Friday are celebrated mime and former head of the Alliance Francaise, the affable Pierre Lemaire and the charming Shelly-Ann Peart James.

Champagne wishes all around!

Congratulations to Mutaburuka and his lady love, Amber Cohen, who tied the knot in a quiet and rather private affair at his home, yesterday. The barefoot groom wore his usual regal African garb and the bride wore a cream ensemble with splashes of colour.

Copyright © 2009.