Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer
President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle acknowledge the crowd after he delivered his victory speech at his election-night party at Grant Park in Chicago on Tuesday night. - AP
And so it is, after much agonising and angst, the African-American senator from Illinois, has emerged victorious and is the president-elect of the United States.
The decision was not only greeted with relief globally, it was done with gusto. For many, in and out of the US, the election of Barack Obama held the opportunity for the US, not only to change the ugly image it assumed under the Bush administration, it also provided the country and its people a marvellous opportunity for its own catharsis, in terms of dealing with its racist past, underpinnings and culture.
While for many, an Obama victory was always a possibility. For the majority of observers and, more importantly, African-Americans, this was not (probably at least in their lifetime) due to their angst of racism taking over in the privacy of the polling booths and thus scuttling any such possibility.
Congratulations
And so, that rush of wind that was heard around the world late Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, was the world and some in the US, exhaling on the news that the senator had indeed secured the US presidency. And, interestingly enough, with his father being of Kenyan origin and his mother an American, Obama can truly lay claim to the moniker of being an African-American.
We salute his victory and the courage of those, who stood with him, to make it happen, as we offer him our congratulations!
And, speaking of congratulations, they are in order and are extended to the illustrious Charles Johnston, on his induction last weekend into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's Hall of Fame. This honour richly deserved for his years of contribution to that community and the country, as a whole.
Mon congrats, as well to the newly appointed Jamaican Ambassador designate to China, Courtenay Rattray, as we extend our hearty congrats on his elevation and wish him, his wife and children, every success on their tour of duty.
Congratulations also to attorney Milton Samuda on his elevation as the newly elected head of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce.
Salutations to attorney and entrepreneur Wayne Chen on his elevation as chair of the Urban Development Corporation's board.
And, speaking of fab people, the absolutely fab Marge Geddes, was in town for Halloween.
Haute-society is off to New York for the American Friends of Jamaica, annual gala and benefit with boxing legend, Lennox Lewis set to be this year's honouree. And, from Jamaica, to the world, as was exemplified in the late August issue of Time Magazine, which carried a fab feature on this here fair isle, showcasing the success story of the Caribbean's leading modelling agency Pulse, as well as profiles on business icon and conglomateur Desmond Blades and Prime Minister Bruce Golding. The issue is a collector's item.
And, the hot new brand, no doubt, on its way to being the toast of the chic, with creative and revolutionary ideas, products and talent, is the hot new Gullyside label.
From clothing (T-shirts at the moment) to 'high-grade rolling paper', it's the rage of the inner-city, with the young and shrewd Germaine Robinson and his crew, spearheading the revolution. One that seeks to celebrate the positive and creative energy that is to be found but is often overlooked in society.
With its roots in the community of Cassava Piece, the Gullyside label was rolled out last weekend to test the market's response with a major launch set for later this season. And, wait for it, as it promises to be yet another 'hot-numba' from the ghetto.
Season of the scorpions
It's the age of Scorpio and it's all fabness as the Scorpions celebrate the season with the chutzpah of fab-partymakers. On Monday, it was all about the fabulous Sandy Tavares-Finson, as the tres elegant grand dame made it an all-girls celebration for her special day. She and about 20 of her fab girlfriends took the celebrations to East Japanese in the Courtyard at the Market Place.
Belated birthday greetings to Ingrid Brown of Digicel, who celebrated her birthday on Saturday, November 1. The lovely Danielle Gordon celebrates her special day on Sunday, November 9, as will the fab Nathalie Desnoes. And, Mr Handsome himself, James Wettengl, will celebrate on November 20, with festivities all set for Canada.
Best wishes all around, with champagne toasts and beluga treats!
Charles Johnston and youngest son Liam share a proud moment at last Thursday's Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) Hall of Fame Banquet at which the elder Johnston was inducted into the prestigious body. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
