Portia's foundation party

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Now, Portia Simpson Miller, as the script would have had it, was born destined to fail. Not because of the absence of industry on her part, but due to an accident of birth, which saw her being born 'below the clock' and consequently, not necessarily equipped with the social and, educational skills and tools to 'make it'.

Simpson Miller, however, never got the memo that said she should 'hold her corner' in the back streets of nothingness and pay homage to her 'betters' while they doled out to her the role they had prescribed for her. And so, she dared to dream. She dreamt of triumphing over her circumstances! She dreamt of a better life for her and her family! And she dreamt of serving her people through the only vehicle she thought would make the greatest impact on the lives of those marginalised by circumstances and prejudices - as a political servant.

Initially, Simpson Miller's dreams of service did not dare to embrace the lofty notion of serving in an elected office. Still a prisoner of her own circumstances, she thought she could do this by working to get those who shared her vision of transforming the society and its structures that condemned some, while elevating others, elected to political office. Along the way something happened, and she was elected to political office. As the years progressed, through hard work and application, service to her party and country, Simpson Miller came to be recognised as a viable political leader. Not just at the parochial level but, more important, at the very top of the chain.

The journey from nothingness was by no means an easy one, but with mentorship, Simpson Miller emerged as a feisty, determined politician, challenged the Establishment and the institutionalised and cultural and social norms to assert her right to be! It's been a long time in coming, but today she has emerged as the symbol of hope for 'the forgotten people'. She demonstrated that the Jamaican dream is not confined to those born to privilege and education, but for all who apply themselves. Her achievement is like a beacon, shining out to everyone, inspiring them to dare to dream, and act on those dreams to fulfil one's chosen destiny!

In meritocracies, individuals who triumph despite the challenges of birth are saluted, celebrated and lauded. Not so, however, in some quarters here, as in aping those who first enslaved them, there are those who do not question the right of Simpson Miller to lead this country based on her abilities, or lack thereof. Based on their own social insecurities and being just one generation or so removed from their own challenging background, they would prefer to have their colonial masters or those who inherited their mantle continue to lead.

The lesson she has learnt, however, is that the way forward, individually, as a community and as a nation, is the very old-fashioned method - education.

It was with this in mind that she established the Portia Simpson Miller Foundation, a non-profit organisation designed to provide the social and financial intervention in the lives of the marginalised, so that they, too, can access the vehicle of upward social and financial mobility - education. Since its creation, the foundation has established many a bursary, scholarship fund and grant to assist the needy.

Three weeks ago, noted attorney-at-law Jalil Dabdoub opened up his upper St Andrew residence and hosted a very charming and oh-so-elegantly relaxing fund-raising cocktail reception for the foundation. It was quite the gala outing! Realising the noble intent of the cause, corporate Jamaica, socialites, her political colleagues, plus the young and the old, came out for the $10,000-per-person soiree and, Pumpkins, it made for a really very special outing! In the lush gardens of the residence, guests simply reposed and idled awhile, sipping on their favourite cocktails and meandering through a number of marquees offering a virtual feast of fabulous dishes, prepared and served up by caterer to the fab, Lorraine Fung, and her staff.

This was clearly an evening devoid of obvious politicking. And with the melodious Charmaine Lemonius in cabaret, you know we are talking nothing but fab here! It was like that and then some, stately even, as guests spoke in hushed tones, greeted each other with warmth and affection and shared pleasantries in the most convivial of manner.

Guests

Among those out were: PNP President Portia Simpson Miller, looking as resplendent as ever, and her husband Errald Miller; chairman of the foundation, businessman Steve Ashley and wife Betty; PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill; Dr Peter Phillips; Roger Clarke and wife Sonia; Dr D.K. Duncan and the très elegant Beverley Anderson-Manley; Phillip Paulwell; Deacon Ronald Thwaites and wife, the elegant Marcia; Lisa Hanna and businessman Richard Lake; Senator Mark Golding and wife; Senator Sandrea Falconer; president of the PNP youth arm, Damian Crawford; the Reverend Melbourne Gordon; the dapper Dr Michael Banbury; Dr Winty Davidson; Dr Milton Hardy; attorney Abe Dabdoub; the affable Sameer Younis; Ambassador Madge Barrett and husband Tunty.

We spotted: Jasper Burnett and wife Syringa Marshall-Burnett; Steve and Karishma Khemlani; Howard Aris; CEO of Scotiabank, Bruce Bowen, and wife Suzann; banker Ryland Campbell; Jennifer Edwards; Glen Christian; Balfour Denniston; Stella Brodber; Denzil McDonald; the charming Betty Barrett-Thompson; architect Clifton Yapp; Capt Horace Burrell; Flow's Michele English; Richard Burgher; Digicel's Trisha K. Thompson; Michael and Andrea Vacciana; Alston Stewart; Chris and Debra Cargill; Paul Burke and wife Angela Brown-Burke; Paul Lyn; Kerrian Hepburn; Allan Rickards and Claudette Jackson-Richards; Robert Stephenson; Connie Holdsworth; Norman and Marie McDonald; Makeda Ramgeet; Albert Gray; Kadean Steele; and Japhet and Lola Brown; plus a number of others.

Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer