100 Most Invited I
SO is heralding the start of the season with a haute list of the biggest ‘social sceners’ this side of The Rock. They’re the ones who everyone wants to know, see or be seen with; their names are neatly etched on envelopments and cards ever so kindly requesting they join the social bystanding…the first half of our 100 Most Invited!
Dr Alison Cross
In 1985, Alison Barnett emerged as Miss Jamaica World, eventually placing in the top 5 at the international Miss World Pageant. But not only is she beautiful Dr Alison Cross also embodies the statement of ‘beauty with a purpose’, promoting learning and literacy among both adults and the youth in Jamaica. Her passion for education last year placed her at the helm of the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL, formerly JAMAL) where she serves as executive director.
Allison Shaw
As the daughter of Finance Minister Audley Shaw, the lovely Allison Shaw is sure to be invited to everyone’s do…after all, who wouldn’t want a heads up on the budget?
Andre Hylton
Andre’s Auto Supplies boss and Jamaica Classic Car Club co-founder Andre Hylton is always on the party scene, but hey, sometimes it’s for a good cause — he’s a Rotarian, too!
Ann-Marie Vaz
The always-affable Ann-Marie Vaz is one of The Rock’s most fashionable — and, dare we say, the most photographed — woman on the social scene. Her elegance and congeniality keep her at the top of the guest lists.
Anthony Miller
Award-winning journalist, television producer and presenter and now judge on popular talent show Digicel Rising Stars, not only is Anthony Miller invited because of his popularity in social circles, but we’re certain many enjoy his insider tidbits and witty criticisms.
Anthony and Jean Watson
Brilliant entertainers themselves, The Watsons know how to make an entrance and extend warm greetings.
Anup and Bina Chandiram
They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but on The Rock it’s the ‘diamond dealers’ Bijoux darlings Anup and Bina Chandiram who are the truly sought after BFFs.
Bernadette Barrow
National Commercial Bank dynamo Bernadette Barrow is just as comfy at a cricket match as she is at a cocktail reception.
Brian and Keneea George
Perhaps it was the hope of getting a lifetime supply of lotto tickets that kept Supreme Ventures President & CEO Brian George on guest lists across the island. But having just come back from a grand European honeymoon with designer-wife Keneea, we’re sure their tales will be welcomed by those on the cocktail circuit.
Bruce and Nicola Bicknell
Tank-Weld director Bruce Bicknell is seldom seen out so naturally heads turn whenever he and his lovely wife Nicola — a perfect pairing of industry and art — make an entrance.
Bruce and Suzanne Bowen
It helps to have Scotia Jamaica head honcho Bruce Bowen on your side, and it doesn’t hurt, too, that he’s always got gorgeous wife Suzanne by his.
Cecile and Kevin Levee
When MoBay maven Cecile Levee enters a room all heads turn, and we’re sure hubby Kevin would agree.
Charlie Johnston
Not only is PSOJ Hall of Fame-er Charlie Johnston at the helm of manufacturing giant Jamaica Producers Group, he’s an affable guy who is sure to bring a few laughs to the party.
Chris Blackwell and Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange
From Island Records to Blackwell Rum, the elusive Chris Blackwell is successful in everything he undertakes. His longtime friend, Entertainment Minister ‘Babsy’ has musicians on speed dial…simply put, these entertainment heavyweights know how to bring the ‘celeb’ factor to any event.
Chris Dehring
LIME Jamaica Chairman Chris Dehring is without a doubt a marketing genius… and just how he managed to breathe new life into the telecoms provider’s business makes for most interesting confab.
Gina Lazarus and Christina Benjamin
Bringing youthful sass and beauty to the social landscape, College Lifestyle TV host Christina Benjamin (right) and her BFF Jamaica Air Shuttle pilot Gina Lazarus is always there to help.
Cindy Breakspeare
Recently ranked the third most beautiful Miss World of all time (according to a global beauties.com poll), and now over 30 years later beauty queen-cum-singer Cindy Breakespeare still turns heads no matter where she goes.
Clinton Brooks and Tiffany Brown
Everyone wants the inside scoop on money matters, so naturally Clinton Brooks, Managing Director of Investments — Stocks & Securities Limited, and National Commercial Bank customer service rep Tiffany Brown would be staples on their guest lists.
Kingsley Cooper and Romae Gordon
Because everybody wants first dibs on front-row seats at Caribbean Fashion Week, Pulse directors Kingsley Cooper and Romae Gordon continue to make the grade.
Mark Croskery and Kibebe Johnston
Stocks & Securities Limited President & CEO Mark Croskery knows money: what to do with it, where to put it and how to accrue it. His belle, Kibebe Johnston, as managing director of Bar Code bar service, is just as keen on cash. Look for them at all those parties where talking stocks, bonds and booze are a welcome respite from the week’s workload.
Curtis and Donalda Lawrence
Supreme Venture’s director Curtis Lawrence and his wife Donalda, who works at Capital & Credit, are a perfect pair to host at any event. For, after you’ve won the lotto, she’ll advise you on how to invest your newfound wealth.
Danny Williams
The Jamaica College Old Boys are always throwing a bash – whether it’s in their capacities as alumni or heads of corporations. And who better to have as a guest of honour than JC patriarch R Danny Williams?
Danville and Sharon Walker
Danville Walker, seen here with his wife Sharon, sits at the head of Jamaica Customs and inviting him to the season’s fab do’s might translate into favourable treatment on the wharves…or maybe not!
David and Heather Goldson
David and Heather Goldson are a fun-loving couple who know how to have a good time wherever they go, whether it’s grooving to Babyface slow jams at Jazz or styling on the red carpet ahead of Monday’s Bill Clinton address.
David
McConnell Moves
David (left) and Billy McConnell (centre) — seen here with Paul Henriquez — preside over the J Wray & Nephew empire, so naturally they’d be the ones bringing the booze.
Debra Lopez-Spence
Debra Lopez-Spence controls the Scotiabank Private Client Group…need we say more.
Diana Stewart and Michelle Bovell
Social scene grandes dames Diana Stewart (left) and Michelle Bovell have long known the secrets to staying truly fab – ensure you get invited to everything but only attend a few!
Dr Ernest Madu and Dr Dainia Baugh
As Style Couple of the Year, Heart Institute of the Caribbean directors Dr Ernest Madu and his wife Dr Dainia Baugh definitely have a sense of occasion.
Erroleen Anderson-Powell
The daughter of Signatures boutique co-director Jean Anderson-Wright, Erroleen Anderson-Powell’s fabulous accessories always make for a great convo at any do.
Gerry Wight
Always cutting a handsome dash, Guardsman Group exec Gerry Wight (right) knows his way around the corporate and cocktail circles. And this season he might even bring a family member along, his cousin Egerton Bullock, Morgan Stanley Smith Barnes exec.
Gia Abrahams and Steve Marston
Quiet but steady beautifully sums up Gia Abrahams activities on the social scene and CAC 2000 Limited CEO Steve Marston is usually there to support.
Jeremy and Nina Harding
Jeremy Harding is credited as a star maker so guests at any event should find that interesting to the say the least. His mum Marigold Harding is the new St Andrew custos and he and wife Nina (who alwasy hits the right style notes continue to dote over their two young children…interesting convo pieces, right?
Harold Brady
The controversial legal mind Harold Brady (seen here with his sister Kay Brady Brown) will no doubt make many guest lists this season…I mean, if you know what I know…
Dr HJ Thompson and Avery Thompson
Scotiabank board member and Northern Caribbean University prez Dr HJ Thompson and his wife Avery, the university’s registrar, take education seriously, but it can’t be all work and no play. Plus, we’re loving that of-the-moment pop of leopard.
Laurie and Ruth Hussey
From racehorses to hotel suites, Laurie and Ruth Hussey know about life in the ‘fast lane’. Themselves no stranger to hosting luxe events, they’re on everyone’s guest list after all, it means so much more to make theirs.
Chris and Kimberley Issa
Spanish Court Hotel’s royal couple Chris and Kimberly Issa… a beauty queen and a tycoon; who wouldn’t want them at a party?
Jean Wright and Norman Wright QC
With her bubbly personality and his impeccable styling, little wonder that Jean and Norman Wright are socially in demand.
Jeanette Stewart
Philanthropist and style maven Jeanette Stewart always brings her inimitable brand of sophistication to any affair.
Dr Josina Duncan
Dr Josina Duncan –a posh partygirl who handles a stethoscope with equal aplomb.
Karen Neita and Nevada Powe
If you manage to get these two – Karen Neita and Nevada Powe – to grace your event you know you’re definitely on the intellectual and style radar.
Karen and Mark Myers
With a now much slimmer look, Restaurants of Jamaica director Mark Myers and his always style-appropriate wife Karen will be out for the season.
Kenny Benjamin
Guardsman Group boss Kenny Benjamin seldom leaves his own epicentre, but when he does rest assured that he’ll be the centre of attention.
Michael Lee Chin
Portland Holdings head honcho Michael Lee Chin has kept a low profile this year and as such makes for great year end party fodder.
Lennox Lewis and Violet Chang
They’re the couple everyone loves to invite, for with his easy charm and her stunning beauty and equally fab personality Lennox and Violet Lewis will make the party that much more special.
Leonora Rueda
Mexico’s maven on The Rock, Ambassador Leonora Rueda swans effortlessly from one event to the next with that magnetic smile. Little wonder that she’s on everyone’s guest list.
Lisa Hanna
Lisa Hanna is the perfect balance of beauty meets brains…interesting conversation and an arresting aura.
Lois Lake Sherwood
Art aficionado and businesswoman Lois Lake Sherwood remains one of the more pleasant and refreshing faces to spot while you’re out.
Thalia and Captain Mike Lyn
Honorary Consul to Thailand and Island Grill boss Thalia Lyn along with hubby (retired) Captain Mike Lyn bring the kind of ease that adds to the appeal of any event.
Mark and Sandra Golding
Proven Investments director, GraceKennedy board member and PNP spokesman Mark Golding is on the ones-to-watch-for-2011 list, and while he talks business his affable wife Sandra will keep the girls entertained with stylish confab.
Mark and Leisha Linehan
Digicel Jamaica CEO Mark Linehan keeps The Rock talking, so naturally both he and wife Leisha would enjoy all the perks of life in the ‘fast lane’.
Mark McIntosh
Portland Holdings exec Mark McIntosh is a new dad, so we reckon he’s just waiting to share that wallet-sized photo of baby Savannah at his next event …that and the next major transaction of course.
Mark Shields
Former top cop-turned-security expert Mark Shields is used to enjoying life…one party at a time.
Mark and Candace Hart
Mark Hart is credited as executive producer for the new RiseUp film. His brilliant psychologist-wife Dr Candace Hart is always by his side and together their creative genius is simply ‘mind blowing’.
Marlene Malahoo Forte and Justice Ian Forte
The legal power couple of Marlene Malahoo-Forte and Justice Ian Forte make them regular party bystanders …which host wouldn’t want the law on his or her side?
Sophia MaxBrown
With two boutiques and as the go-to girl on men’s styling in addition to the MoBay boutique hotel it’s easy to see how Sophia MaxBrown continues to be a regular at all the season’s soirées.
Maya Deer
With just enough mystique surrounding this belle to raise eyebrows there’s no denying that Maya Deer is everywhere and is always impeccably styled in local creations.
Michael Bernard
Having recently announced his retirement from Carreras, MD Michael Bernard who will remain on the board will have lots of time to enjoy the social scene, breed horses and to offer advice on just how to do it.
Michele Coulton
SoHo boutique boss Michele Coulton truly understands style — (we’re still raving about her Meiling boutique addition) and since her clientele are the ones throwing parties…do the math.
Michele Rollins
Whether it’s in Kingston or the second city, Michele Rollins is on everyone’s guest list. The gorgeous hotelier is known for her warm and inviting smile.
Michelle and Gregory Mayne
Michelle and Gregory Mayne (seen here with Michelle’s daughter Danielle Bovell) are known to have an affinity for parties and something tells us that this season will be no different.
Miss Kitty
Those who wish for a “crawb-up” party experience will no doubt relish in having radio personality Miss Kitty in the house.
Drs Errol and Fay Morrison
What’s better than having a doctor in the house? Having two…just ask the ever-affable Professor Errol Morrison and his wife Dr Fay Morrison.
Racquel and Jimmy Moss-Solomon
She makes people beautiful and he makes beautiful music and writes a lot of common sense, so having Racquel and Jimmy Moss-Solomon around is bound to be a pleasure for any host.
Party Business
Musson Group exec Nicholas Scott (left), his grandfather Dr Ralph Thompson (second left) of CD Alexander, Joe Forbes of the Musson Group and Seprod MD Byron Thompson have long understood the nuances involved in transitioning from corporate to cocktail.
Nicole Grey
With all the buzz surrounding the new film Better Mus’ Come model-cum-actress Nicole Grey tops the invitation list this holiday season.
Omar and Lezanne Azan
One of the Jamaica’s most beautiful couples, Omar and Lezanne Azan are rarely ever missing from anyone’s guest list. As President of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association, Omar exudes intelligence and charm, while his wife Lezanne, who chairs the Advocacy Committee of Womens Leadership Initiative, is herself ‘beauty and brains’.
Patrick Hylton and Brigitte Foster-Hylton
He runs National Commercial Bank and she runs laps, but every so often Patrick Hylton and Brigitte Foster-Hylton pause from their busy schedules to take up a few of the invitations that come their way.
Paul and Sue Hoo
Supreme Ventures boss Paul Hoo and wife Sue aren’t seen out often, and getting them to your event means two things: (1) It’s an ultra-exclusive affair or (2) it’s a Jamaica Observer event.
PB and Jennifer Scott
Musson Group Chairman PB Scott and his fabulous wife Jennifer are a rare sight on the social landscape so having them at your party would be deemed a major coup.
Mercedes and Mario Pino
The affable Argentine ambassador Mario Piño and his lovely daughter Mercedes are simply enjoying The Rock’s social offerings.
Portia Simpson Miller
People’s National Party prez Portia Simpson Miller is a staple on all the major guest list…certainly, it’s a hosts surest way of maintaining favour, lest the political tides change.
Rajesh and Neha Kripalani
Déjà Vu darlings Rajesh and Neha Kripalani know how to have fun with each other, their chemistry is simply contagious.
Renee Rattray
Former principal of St Andrew Prep School Renee Rattray has declared her support the idea of performance-based evaluation for teachers…definitely good fodder for an interesting convo.
Roxanne Shields
As hairstylist to Kingston’s fabellas and a noted party girl herself, Mandeville-native Roxanne Shields will enjoy the season’s best do’s (pardon the pun) in both her hometown as well as in the city.
Rosemarie Pilliner and Donovan Hanson
Scotiabank Executive VP Rosemarie Pilliner and Lending Services VP Donovan Hanson control who gets the money and how much, so naturally inviting him to the next fabulous event ought to be a no-brainer for the host looking for a favourable loan.
Edward and Carla Seaga
As the former PM Edward Seaga and his lovely wife Carla still very much enjoy nationalistic privileges including first dibs on all The Rock’s most stylish events.
Sean Paul and Jodi Stewart
They’re the Jay Z and Beyoncé of The Rock, but better looking by far…what would a party be without Jodi Stewart’s playful sass and Sean’s easy-chill vibe.
Harry and Ann-Marie Smith
Sometimes the greatest business plans are formed from simple ideas, and if you’re lucky then maybe you might gain audience with Digicel board member and lecturer Harry Smith over drinks. His wife Ann-Marie holds her own with her pre-fabricated AnniLue cake mix, the perfect Christmas dessert.
Stephen Hudson
Supreme Ventures director Stephen Hudson has long understood staying relevant on the social circuit, after all he calls socialite Jeanette Stewart mum.
Steve and Betty Ashley
KSA Engineering Consultants boss Steve Ashley always wears a welcoming smile and his wife Betty cultivates gorgeous orchids. And we reckon, she’ll be out this season sharing on how she’s achieved that svelte look.
Michael and Melanie Subratie
When they’re not showing their pearly whites or demonstrating their hearts of gold philanthropists Michael and Melanie Subratie enjoy a fab night out. And if we’re really lucky, she might even bring her big bro PB along for good measure.
Nicole McLaren and Assassin
Intelligence meets edge is the perfect description for Style Couple Nicole McLaren and Assassin…for we all want to know just how the in-the-streets deejay landed the Princeton grad!
Nicole and Peter Melhado
Their devotion to their children and the activities of the American International School of Kingston is simply admirable…and it doesn’t hurt that Peter and Nicola Melhado are quite the life of the party!
Susanne Fredricks
As Anthony Miller’s BFF but a true socialite in her own right, the fabulous Susanne Fredricks is seen out at many a party.
Suzanne Rousseau-Bernard
One-half of the Ciao Bella team, Suzanne Rousseau-Bernard is always spotted in the most haute spot, from Page 2 to SO she continues to show The Rock just how much access she’s got.
Tina and Gary Matalon
As two of the directors of The Rock’s hottest nightclub, Fiction, Tina and Gary Matalon know what makes a good party. And perhaps having them at yours may make for a hot event too!
Veena and Gulu Chanrai
Spot bon vivants Veena and Gulu Chanrai at an event and you know you’re in the place to be.
Wayne Chen
For we all would like to know just how businessman Wayne Chen regained his visa!
Wayne Cummings
Jamaica Hospitality and Tourism Association president Wayne Cummings has all the details on vacation packages, concessions and properties…a good resource to have at any affair.
Yendi Phillipps and Asafa Powell
It’s another classic case of beauty meets brawn…Yendi Phillipps was absent from the social scene for most of the year due to her modelling stint in South Africa, since then she has returned to The Rock,and got the nod of approval from Trump himself when she placed second in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant. And it doesn’t hurt that her always-smiling-chiselled arm candy beau is just as popular with the ladies as she is the men in the room.
Chris and Gillian Zacca
Former PSOJ prez now working from the Office of the Prime Minister Chris Zacca is kept socially occupied. His lovely wife OMG boutique-owner Gillian also holds from tween/teen birthday parties to balls.