Jamaican standing tall

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Then my dears, do pass the champagne, as we say hearty congrats to our sportsmen and sportswomen who continue to chart many a firsts in the world of athletics! Jamaica is the first and only country to have all 100m sprint titles for all ages and all levels for males at once.

With the record run of Odail Todd in Lille, France, Jamaica secured its place in world history, as Todd not only brought home the gold, but another record. This feat saw him joining the list of Jamaican champions on the world stage who have brought home gold in the 100-metre dash. They join the World Youth Olympics Odean Skeen; the World Junior Championship's Dexter Lee, the Commonwealth Games Lerone Clarke and the World and Olympic champion Usain Bolt. Jamaica is the first and only country to ever achieve this feat, so kudos all around.

And my dears, mon congrats to The Sunday Herald's R. Christene King, who was named Media Personality of The Year by the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica at its awards luncheon held at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Wednesday.

King, a former model and current CEO and executive editor, has had a long and distinguished career in media, starting at The Gleaner, and has served as mentor to many a journalist. Over the years, she has lent her support and influence to many charitable causes and organisations, while being an advocate for societal change.

stylish journalist

And so we say heartfelt congratulations to a stylish leading journalist!

Artist Judy-Ann MacMillan is in demand. And little wonder, as she is considered one of the most bankable artists in the industry, and whose last outing was not an exhibition of her work but the launch of her book some years ago. It catalogued her works over the years. However, while a welcomed intervention, this did not satisfy the hunger of fan base and collectors, and her absence has only fuelled the their hunger. They have been clamouring for the artist to mount an exhibition to showcase her prized works.

And when the many requests for the artist to mount an exhibition went unanswered, many took their yen a step further, by requesting that she hosts retreats during which her students could both study and learn her style, technique and form.

All of these entreaties were to no avail, as while MacMillan was refraining from "taking requests", she had retreated to her Rockfield sanctuary in the hills of St Ann. There she allowed the beauty around her to not only inspire her, but stimulate her creative juices that led to her immersing herself.

Sadly, for fans and collectors here in Jamaica, the wait will be a while, as MacMillan's latest works go on display early next week at the Jonathan Clarke Fine Art Gallery in London, England.

Now, the Jonathan Clarke Fine Art Gallery has been dealing in Modern British Art for the last two decades. As well as being a leader in the buying and selling of important works, the gallery also represents the estates and families of a number of British artists; it is also known for its high-end appeal and clientele.

extensive collection

Located in a four-storey Georgian building in the heart of London's Chelsea district, the gallery holds an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures and works on paper from: The Bloomsbury Group; 7 & 5 Society; the St Ives; Euston Road & Camden Town Schools; the Neo-Romantics and the School of London.

This being her first showing in London since her group exhibition at the Albemarle Gallery in 2004, MacMillan is looking forward to her solo exhibition at the gallery, where the show, titled 'My Jamaica', will comprise 14 paintings mostly landscapes, and three of her more recent portraits, the remaining works considered by the artist as the very best of her recent work.

With the exhibition scheduled to be opened on Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m., MacMillan left Jamaica for London, where her fans and leading members of the Jamaican community in London have scheduled a number of events in her honour.

And speaking of the fab jetting off!

Well, today is the last official day here for Mexican Ambassador Her Excellency Leonora Rueda, as come tomorrow after a round of swanky and intimate farewell dos in her honour, the beloved envoy takes her leave of these shores on her way to New Zealand, arriving on Monday to take up duties as her country's first citizen.

As she takes her leave, we say "walk good" to the outgoing ambassador, as during her five-and-half-year stint she not only endeared herself to the Jamaican people with her sense of style as a leading glamour maven, she distinguished herself in that capacity. As ambassador, she promoted many cultural and bilateral agreements between both Jamaica and Mexico.

Her departure will leave a void not only on the diplomatic scene but on the social scene as well, where her sense of style and élan will be sorely missed.

Then best of wishes to hotelier James Samuels, who celebrates his birthday today.

Celebrating tomorrow will be outgoing Argentine Ambassador HE Mario Pino; the fabulous Imani Duncan; the lovely Sue Morris; the lovely Jessica Taylor; and the beautiful Marie Geddes, formerly of Linstead, now resident of the Big Apple.

On Sunday the 17th are the fab Jeanine Tribley, of the Caves in Negril; and the lovely Dainielle Jackson.

On Monday the 18th commentator Anne Shirley; Christian Ghisays; the charming Almarie Higgins; Matthew Raine, in Toronto, Canada; Phillip Dayle, in London, England.

Belated birthday wishes to singer and entertainer Tinga Stewart, who celebrated on the 3rd.

Paul Pennycook and Nicholas Solomon, who both celebrated on Monday of this week.

PNP chairman and MP Robert Pickersgill, who celebrated on Tuesday the 12th.

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