Kingston is hot!

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

My darlings, Kingston is the hottest city in the English- and Spanish speaking-Caribbean; and as it was in the days of famed pirate Henry Morgan, so it is today. Kingston is the unchallenged international crossroads of the Caribbean and is the foremost cultural destination, representing a melting pot of cultures.

Jamaica's capital is also a pioneer in forging its post-slavery and colonial identity in the arts, music, dance and fashion; emerging as the regional epicentre of culinary fusion. It is thus able to place its own identity in the pantheons of world-leading nations, to be judged as an equal, based on its merits and achievements, and most definitely its people!

In this respect, Kingston is a microcosm of the Jamaican nation - a resilient city, built on the blood, sweat, determination and sacrifices of its people. Sacrifices and prescriptive practices which were normally frowned upon in more formalised societies, but in the Jamaican context have contributed to the unique Jamaican identity. This has led to its people reaping phenomenal benefits in the international academia, sporting, cultural, musical, athletic and political leadership, making us the bane of the underachievers of the region.

Little wonder then that a supposedly learned professor would be tempted, as reported, to take the intellectual low road, in equating Chris Gayle to the notorious Dudus.

One does wonder if the professor's characterisation of the able cricketer is not just another expression of the xenophobic intolerance that has been made manifest by his countrymen for some time now, when it comes to Jamaicans and things Jamaican.

Frankly, what the country needs now, in face of an increasing platform by our regional neighbours to 'profile' Jamaicans, is an activist foreign affairs ministry, to address issues and people like the professor and his little country and their attitude. On the face of it and the current environment considered, the broadside against Chris Gayle cannot be seen in isolation, but in the wider context of the existing dialogue.

And in this respect, failing a fulsome apology from the professor, he should be considered a candidate for the distinction of being declared persona non grata!

party time

Anyway my daahlings, we party on!

Men Who Cook will be in Mandeville on Sunday, May 29 cooking up a storm, so y'all know this is a must-attend!

And speaking of Men Who Cook, my dears, fine dining is all set to return to that absolutely fabulous Kingston landmark of distinction, Devon House on the Terrace, so wait for it!

And now it's all systems go for the Gleaner-sponsored Caribbean Fashion Week 2011, with some of Pulse hottest international discoveries just raring to hit the Kingston runways, fresh from their international triumphs.

The hot talk, however, is that patrons attending this year's events should come expecting not only to be dazzled by the presentations, but also a major surprise!

Dears, more anon, and then some!

And speaking of fab events, the bookings are pouring in for ATI Weekend in Negril, and honeys, it's looking a lot like it's going to be one hot season of rollicking parties, with the rush already on for reservations at everybody's favourite adult resort, Hedonism II.

Talk about being wicked for a week - it will be all that for the ATI weekend, and then some!

And so we extend happy birthday greetings to: former Jacks Hill resident and socialite Kathy Darling, now in South Carolina; media personality Cecelia Campbell; the bubbly media darling Claudette Brown; the lovely Terry Williams; Bennie Watson; the lovely Trisha McGann, in Mandeville; and the beautiful Sharon McEwan, who all celebrate their birthday today.

Celebrating tomorrow are: Gaudia Chevannes-Aquart; the fab Kerry-Ann McKenzie; the beautiful Ayesha Dawes; Andrea Irving and the charming Natasha Miller, now in New York.

Sharing birthday honours on Sunday the 15th, are: the fabulously talented Pauline Stone-Myrie; and Jason Thomas, in Austin, Texas.

On Monday the 16th: supermodel Lois Samuels; Freddy James; the fabulous Sue Morris; Shellian Peynado Annansingh; Kevin Williams; Ras Adam Simeon; and the lovely Dawn Barton will make a very special day.

Tuesday the 17th will see: celebrated photographer Wayne Chin; the fab Bertina McCaulay; the charming Claudine Allen; Pulse Model Jheanelle McFarlane; and international motivational coach Wakid Shakur, north coast habitué and resident of Atlanta, Georgia, sharing the same birthday.

Celebrating on the 18th are: Luke-George Cooke; the lovely Karian Cartey; and Jason Powell, in Ocho Rios.

On Thursday the 19th, those celebrating will include: Jamaican international diva/model/singer, actress/ Grace Jones; the charming Sharon Tulloch; the fabulous Tennith Atterbury, in Florida; and New York resident and north coast habitué Charles Maneri.

Belated wishes to: Maurice Foster, who celebrated on the 8th.

Jamaican sprint queen-turned-Slovenian national Merlene Ottey; and Milverton Reynolds, who celebrated on Tuesday the 10th.

Carole Fullerton; Montego Bay power diva, leading socialite and legal starlet Paula Kerr-Jarrett; and Jacqueline Sanguinetti - who all celebrated yesterday.

Many happy returns to y'all, with champagne toasts and beluga treats!