Very compelling daytime television

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

Oh my dears, what a week! Luvs, the Manatt, Phelps & Phillips enquiry is still the hottest show in town and not because of the commissioners. Quite frankly, the only one showing sign of life is Donald Scharschmidt, with at least one of the lawyers acting as a would-be fourth commissioner!

Fourth commissioner or not, it makes for compelling daytime TV, providing an insight into the machinations of government and the role played by those elected to administer the country's affairs. And frankly, what has emerged in testimony so far may not be enough to convict in a court of law, but in the court of public opinion, those entrusted with the business of managing the country's diplomatic, internal, judicial and security affairs have been found wanting!

All is not lost. The enquiry is more than just theatre. It is an instrument of learning for some, especially civil society, who regard the process as quite illuminating and instructive! For those looking on for drama and theatrics, however, this week's Oscar for 'Best Supporting Role' in the enquiry goes to Oliver Smith, for his defence of his client, Solicitor General Douglas Leys!

Their piece of the rock

Now, my dears, as y'all know there's never a dull moment here on this rock. From the nation's capital all the way to the fabulous West End of Negril, not only are Jamaicans living out loud, some poor and boasy, some rich and fabulous with the majority simply poseurs, the international community still can't get enough of us. Not only are the rich and famous jetting in to bask in the sun and imbibe the rum, many are now grabbing up their piece of the rock and are busy plunking down euros, pounds and the almighty greenbacks to secure their piece of this here land of wood, water and drama.

On Saturday, March 12, real estate developer Robert Cartade unveiled his latest offering, The Little Bay Country Club in Negril. An upscale beachfront gated community of villas, condos and a few super-studios, scheduled for completion in 2012, is proving a hit with foreigners and nationals, with nearly 70 of the 171 units sold within hours of its introduction to the market. Dears, see Sunday's Outlook Magazine for more on this new real estate offering!

British tv host to visit

And speaking of the international community not getting enough of us, come next month, the cruise ship, The Allure of The Seas, will be docking in Falmouth pier with a very special guest on board, British TV presenter Paul Merton. He hosts the travelogue that documents the quirkier side of international travel, but has as its base a most informative and often educational underlying format.

Merton is all set to disembark in Falmouth on March 30 and, along with his crew, will document 'the roads less travelled and the sights less seen' here in Jamaica. And, luvs, it promises to be quite the lark! To guarantee the success of the show, Simon Lloyd recently jetted into the island on a reconnaissance mission, scouting subjects and material for the show, so wait for this one.

And speaking of fabulous places, people and things, former Canadian High Commissioner Claudio Valle and his oh-so-very charming wife Louise commence their annual Jamaican vacation this weekend. Valle's predecessor, John Robinson, is all set to arrive for his annual Jamaican holiday, on April 1.

And happy birthday wishes to actress and entertainer, the simply fab Karen Harriott-Wilson; Dr Greg Williams; Courtney Wallace; Andrew Chue Francis, away at Seton Hall University; the lovely Sanya Masters, now in New York; and the lovely Tracy Thomas, in Atlanta, Georgia, who all celebrate their birthday today.

Tomorrow, Nicholas Benjamin will celebrate his birthday Down Under, as the dashing young honour student is at university in Brisbane, Australia. Also celebrating tomorrow will be: the affable Jason Barrow; the lovely Claire McHayle, in Mandeville; the beautiful Acquenatta Jackson Harris, in Lynchburg, Virginia; and the charming Rosemarie Lee-Dawkins, in New York.

More birthdays

On Sunday, those celebrating birthdays include the elegant Susan Ward; Rose Tavares-Finson; Auvil Orr, now in Toronto, Canada; Rosalee Brown James, now in Florida; and Barbados-born model Darren Norris, now in St Louis, Missouri.

Come Monday, former senator, entrepreneur and philanthropist, the lovely Deika Morrison; businessman Bindley Sangster; former Pulse model Lyle Edwards; Craig Fletcher, now in Inglewood, New Jersey; and Shawn Penn, now in Toronto, Canada, will all be seeing in the Sign of Aries.

The celebration continues on Tuesday with the fabulous Andrea Hutchinson giving new look and meaning to the age of 50, as she celebrates in Salem, New York. Also celebrating are Peter Sibblies and Shammel Johnson.

On Wednesday, it's nigh unto a public holiday as the fabulous Susie Benjamin celebrates her birthday, as will the lovely Tasha Brown. On Thursday, it will be all about linguist Emma Caroline Lewis, as she celebrates her very special day.

Many happy returns all around with champagne toasts and beluga treats!