Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

State minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment Damion Crawford recently collaborated with siblings and family members to celebrate the 60th birthday of his mother Mrs Lena Crawford. The event was hosted at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston.

Minister Crawford was in his usual 'shell it down happy mood' and was quite animated at his table. He, along with a family member, was seen doing the Harlem Shake dance move, while another captured the moment on camera.

Between the laughter and frolicking, there were tributes and dedication to the lady of the night. Veteran reggae artiste Freddie McGregor also passed through to deliver a sound set of popular songs like Big Ship, before exiting for an overseas engagement.

Decorated in pink and white, the ballroom was hardly the environment for a clash. However, this was a family event, literally. Therefore, anything was possible, as long as it contributed to the entertainment value of the celebration at hand.

Favourite-Child Battle

Damion Crawford proclaimed himself the favourite child, which was expectedly refuted by his siblings.

What followed this opposition was a sound clash between the siblings to prove who was the favourite child, courtesy of love song selections. According to the family members, whoever won the clash of love songs dedicated to the mother, would sport the title of favourite child for the year.

The clash that ensued saw the siblings pulling for love songs like You Lift Me Up by Westlife, Saddest Word by Celine Dion, Queen and Lady by Beres Hammond, and I Look to You by Whitney Houston.

After much deliberation by the family members in attendance, Kerry Crawford was pronounced the winner. The winner had picked Whitney Houston's I Look To You.

Up-and-coming recording artiste Jomo Akins also delivered a soulful rendition of Frank Sinatra's I Did It My Way, dedicated to the woman of the night. His set was well received.

The night ended with more frolicking, gift exchanges and, of course, refreshments.

PROUD MOTHER

Mrs Crawford has been a teacher for 21 years at Maverley Junior High school. Minister Crawford says she taught him resilience.

"She taught me never to give up. My father died when I was 15 and so she taught me to always keep pushing. I am proud right now and I feel like she has achieved her goals because this is the independence that she wanted us to achieve. Because we can now take care of her, you know what old people say, children are their pension. Life always reciprocates and your mother cares for you, so there will be your time when you should pick up the mantle and care for them," he said.

In her vote of thanks to her children, Mrs Crawford said: "Tonight, I am so proud when I see persons from my community and my work. It has been a very long journey and, at the end, I can say I am blessed, God is good. I know that He is good and He blessed me so much," she said.