It's time for growth

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

My daahlings, the New Year is off to a simply fabulous start and then some, as the fab and the party hearty have decided on putting the gloom and blues of 2010 behind them as they forge ahead in 2011. And with that, the mantra for 2011 is going for growth!

And speaking of growth, the banking sector cannot continue being the only sector experiencing growth in the economy, as in reality, not all of its hefty profits are ploughed back into the Jamaican economy. Most is repatriated, so it's now over to the finance minister to step up to the plate and call them out on this one.

Anyway my darlings, as we party on, it's all about the fabulous Couples Resorts this weekend as both Couples San Souci and the flagship Couples Tower Isle will be hosting their annual anniversary smasheronis, and so it's all about Ocho Rios and nothing but.

And Port Antonio is still awash in celebrities as the harsh winter is not retreating and the fab are simply extending their holidays.

The international fun-loving thrill-seeking vacationers simply can't get enough of Hedonism II and so the partying continues at the famed resort.

Capricorn still partying

And speaking of parties, it's still the sign of Capricorn my luvlies, and my word, how they are celebrating!

Happy birthday wishes to: MP and attorney Phillip Paulwell; famed musician and musicologist Ibo Cooper; the lovely Carol Foofanah; the charming Carol Ivey; and Denise Hird Walsh; who all celebrate their birthday today.

Tomorrow, the lovely Carmen Tipling; the legendary entertainer Yellowman; musicologist Albert 'Ilawi' Johnson; the charmingly lovely Sophia Leahong, in Montego Bay; Raphael Brown, formerly of Morant Bay, St Thomas, now resident of Florida; the lovely Judi Woodstock-Manzano, formerly of Kingston, now residing in Trinidad; and Owen Richard Miller Bonner, now in The Netherlands; all share the same birthday.

Sunday the 16 will see: Joe Gordon, in Port Antonio; Paul Johnson, formerly of Kingston, now a resident of the Big Apple; and the lovely Lupe-Nena Gonzalez, in California; celebrating their birthday.

The fab and lovely Fiona McNeill; the beautiful Maria Francis; the lovely Rolande Chue-Edwards; the lovely Juleen Powell, in Mandeville; the fab Marlene Schorlemmer, now in Santa Domingo; Raphael Russell, in New York; Michael John Highfield, in the UK, all celebrating on Monday the 17th.

On Tuesday the 18th Captain David McRae; the enterprising Carlos MaxBrown, of Carlos Café fame; the lovely Susanne Campbell; and Richard Lieba, in Toronto, Canada; all sharing the same birthday.

On Wednesday the 19th the lovely Pinkrose Lambert; artist Nakazzi Tafari; the beautiful Keisha Lewis; the fab Sue Bradley, in London; Lana Finikin in New York; all celebrating their birthday.

On Thursday the 20th, socialite and heiress Carrole Issa-Cartade; the lovely Melissa Warner; and the lovely Joan Spence-Trellis will be birthday girls.

Belated birthday wishes to the gorgeous Novlet Green who celebrated her special day on the second, and partied by going skiing in Colorado.

The beautiful Sharon Millwood-Moore; and former Jamaica House butler Marlon Reid, who both celebrated on the 9th.

The esteemed Professor Edward Baugh; and the simply fabulous Jenny Berry celebrated on the 11th.

Entertainer extraordinaire, Boris Gardiner, celebrated his birthday yesterday.

Champagne wishes all round with beluga treats!