2011 top brass

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Luvs, when it was all over by bar the shouting, the year 2011 was indeed another fab year, with liberal samplings of all the things we love - loads of parties; pungent scandals; lots of political intrigue; and yes, a general election, a full year ahead of its constitutionally due date!

Dears, when the dust had finally settled, the masses, not usually credited for their insightful pertinence, had clearly seen through the bluster of the governing JLP, and booted them squarely and surely from power. A new government is in town and the hope for the masses of a less stringent government; for the civilised, the hope was less of the boorish and crass behaviour which had come to characterise some in leadership. Generally, the hope that more of public resources when expended would be done to benefit the majority and not just the privileged few!

And so my dears, the start of 2012 was all about banishing that which we found offensive and embracing that which we found inspiring. It was more about celebrating the best of us and not denigrating others in order to feel good about ourselves. And Jamaicans in their wisdom provided a very tangible and visually descriptive working definition of the national motto: 'Out of many, one people'.

Stars were many in 2011. It was also the year of many shooting stars! Meteorites that crashed and burned. Fading stars who would not leave the stage and kept hogging the spotlight in a desperate attempt to remain relevant. Not to mention social pretenders which resulted in 'skimmed milk masquerading as crème'.

It was a year like no other, and definitely not a year for shrinking violets or maiden aunts, but a year that saw those made of sterner stuff rising to the top and staring down those who would prescribe their station!

The year's top personalities!

1. Portia Simpson Miller: Personality of the Year! Outclassed, outlasted and outshone her opponents with dignity and style befitting of the style maven she is by maintaining the high road.

2. K.D. Knight: Forced the JLP to embrace its shame with its scandalous handling of the Manatt-Dudus affair.

3. John Issa: a beacon of dignified restraint and sobriety when lesser men sought to sully his character.

4. Karl Hendrickson: the emerging giant and real estate tycoon! Dubbed Mr Acquisition.

5. Greg Christie: a distinguished servant of the people and anti-corruption crusader.

6. Christopher Issa: Helping to transform the face of the nation's capital, with his ultra-chic Spanish Court Hotel.

7. Owen Ellington: Leading the charge to revamp and make accountable a police force that was at times a headless monster!

8. Denis O'Brien: Digicel's head and owner ran rings around the competition and even gobbled up one!

9/10. Stafford and Marilyn Burrowes: adding diversity and added value to the tourism experience!

The year's biggest winners:

1. Portia Simpson Miller: Silenced her critics and detractors with an emphatic victory at the polls!

2. Yohan Blake: Changed the discussion in the world of athletics.

3. Raymond Pryce: Took his detractors to the cleaners with convincing electoral victory.

4. Yendi Phillipps: added the word fabulous to brand/destination Jamaica at a crucial time!

5. Damion Crawford: an inspirational story of the triumph of education and determination over circumstances!

6. Veronica Campbell-Brown: a champion on and off the track!

7. James Robertson: Despite all the predictions to the contrary, saw the year out on Jamaican soil and retained his electoral seat despite losing his American visa.

8. Desmond McKenzie: Captured the all-important nod to represent the JLP in the coveted West Kingston constituency.

9. Michele English: Making Flow flow with responsive customer care and service!

10. Louis Williams: Saved the embarrassment of being tainted by the shenanigans of the JLP.

Who's in!

1. Edward Seaga: Could be time for a non-political comeback!

2. Steve Ashley: Managerial know-how and competence!

3. Robert MacMillan: Years of altruistic service and dedication.

4. Zein Issa Nakash: International promotions and marketing savvy and expertise!

5. Mark Linehan: Under his stewardship, Digicel is still the preferred network.

6. J.P. Whyte: The new face of Jamaican politics.

7. Aloun Assamba: Channelling party unity and cohesion.

8. Julianne Samuels: Keeping the lantern of the dragon lit and burning!

9. Saleem Lazarus: A Man for all seasons!

10. Simon Crosskill: An alternative to juvenile morning TV.

Who's happening!

1. Phillip Paulwell: The political future of the PNP.

2. Chris Blackwell: Quietly revolutionising the high end of Jamaica's tourism product!

3. Las Chin: The Heights by great men reached and sustained, done so by expanding not whining!

4. Kenny Benjamin: Expanding his reach to the islands and now to the national zoo.

5. Kingsley Cooper: Making Kingston an international fashion destination.

6. Ruth Hussey: Expanding the family empire to that of a national power player!

7. Patrick Hylton: Making National Commercial Bank a financial bulwark.

8. Kevin Levee: Making Hedonism II the preferred resort of the fun-seeking thrill-loving holidaymaker and Negril, entertainment capital of the Caribbean.

9. Jacqui Tyson: Event planner and executioner with the flair and razzmatazz of the sophisticate! Giving new life to the old city.

10. Dennis Meadows: The JLP underdog who will trump the establishment choices!

Rising stars!

1. Mark Hart: Familiar name, new business courses!

2. Lisa Hanna: The best is yet to the come.

3. Paula Kerr-Jarrett: The will to serve will promulgate her to the body politic.

4. Wayne Cummings: Tourism's unacknowledged ambassador-at-large.

5. Dionne Jackson Miller: Never allowed her biases to inform her positions!

6. Jennifer Edwards: Civil discourse and professionalism.

7. Sandra Kennedy: Fashion's comeback darling!

8. Danielle Crosskill: Beauty with a purpose!

9. Alexia Palmer: Pulse's newest star, the current face of American Vogue.

10. Adam Fernandez: The male Face to watch in 2012 and beyond.