It's time for the Cancerians!

Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor

My daahlings, Kingston was ablaze with a number of culinary outings last weekend, not to mention a number of fashionable soirées and birthday celebrations, all making for yet another fabulously social happenings!

And speaking of birthdays, it's all about the sign of Cancer, as Cancerians all over do their thing. And as they celebrate, we laud a number of Jamaicans who have distinguished themselves, as well as a number of other personalities who celebrate their birthdays this zodiacal season. And so we say happy birthday and best wishes to the founder of the Guardsman Group of Companies, Kenny Benjamin, who celebrates his birthday today. Also celebrating are the fab model, budding singer and actress, Nordia Witter, now in Los Angeles; the charming Yolanda Gomez; Stephane Lecuyer, in Toronto, Canada; and the lovely Kenisha McMillan, from West New York, New Jersey.

Impresario and sibling to supermodel Nell Robinson, Jason Robinson, celebrates tomorrow. Attorney and commentator, Patrick Bailey, celebrates on Sunday, as will former broadcaster, the fab Tami-Ann Lewin; and the charming Veneta Creary. On Monday, the lovely Avil Rauer; the esteemed Sandra Shirley; the affable Donovan Nelson; the lovely Odette Robinson; and New York-based artist manager, Luciana Maneri, all share the same birthday. On Tuesday, among the beautiful people celebrating are Rachel Walker-Douglas, now in Louisiana; the lovely Beverley Lew; events planner extraordinaire Jai Gairy Smith; Shane McCarthy; ace DJ Phillip Smith, of Hedonism Resorts; Clarissa 'Cookie' Tanner; modelling hunk, Symon Murray, in Toronto, Canada; and the lovely Tamara Nicki Petersen, north coast habitué of German Town, Wisconsin, in the United States.

On Wednesday, celebrated Gleaner photographer Ricardo Makyn will be the subject of other photographers' lens as he celebrates his birthday. Come next Thursday, hotelier extraordinaire Peter Fraser; actor Munair Zacca; athlete Kenia Sinclair; one-time-political aspirant Barbara Clarke; the lovely Pamela Bunting; the beautiful Kerry-Ann Jones; and the lovely Jennifer Lyons will all make it a very special day of partying.

Then belated birthday wishes to the pioneering R. Danny Williams, one of the pioneers of the Jamaican insurance industry, who celebrated on Monday, July 4; Anthony Pasmore, who celebrated on July 5; and founder of the Sandals chain of resorts, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, who celebrated the following day. Many happy returns all around, with champagne toasts and beluga treats! Then, the fabulous Anabella Seaga Mian and her children jetted in from their Florida home for some R&R and quality time with dad Edward Seaga and mom Mitsy Seaga and the extended family!

Then my dears, she has survived early trauma, neglect and abuse, but what would for many prove stumbling blocks have energised this talented Jamaican, now living in the US. And so, instead of sitting around bemoaning her circumstances, this go-getter has hit the 'I can' button, and is gearing up to hit the international superhighway of fame and fortune, as she not only continues to tell her story, but has found time to patent a medical device and is now pursuing acting and modelling careers, with her most recent dramatic credit includes Jack 'N Jill by Adam Sandler, with Al Pacino, Katie Holmes and a number of other Hollywood heavyweights.

She has guested on the US Network hit series Burn Notice, modelled for Bethesda Health City Cancer awareness and was honoured in the Palm Beach Post Notables. She starred in the print photo shoot for Rite Aid Pharmacy, distributed in 42 states; and has appeared in commercials for Starkist and featured on their website. The 'she', my dears, is Ivett Jackson, survivor and author, now toast of literary circles, as her much-acclaimed tome, The Journey, takes the US by storm, earning rave reviews and coveted media interviews with all the important media networks and leading media personalities. She has been dubbed the new darling of the publishing industry!

In this her first book, Jackson chronicles her life experiences, from early childhood abuse to an unfulfilling marriage, made so by an adulterous husband, and tells her story in that picturesque Jamaican mode that has reviewers going ape in appreciation! The plot will not be bared here, but suffice it to say that Jackson tells a fascinating story of triumph, and takes inspiration from 'ministering' to others who have suffered. It's a must-read.

And, my daahlings, speaking of that indomitable Jamaican spirit, it's all about the National Dance Theatre Company's 2011 49th season. The tickets are the hottest thing, with patrons and companies snapping them up like hot bread. There a rush by Jamaicans to secure this annual prized cultural showcase. Jamaicans in the diaspora and a number of international dance aficionados are queuing too. So, come the July 22 opening night, y'all know it will be all about the NDTC and the Little Theatre.

Then my dears, mon congrats to Jamaica National's Earl Jarrett; RBTT's Minna Israel and the record-breaking and setting Usain Bolt, on being bestowed with honorary doctorates by the University of the West Indies. Dears, these are three Jamaicans who have distinguished themselves in their chosen areas of specialisation, and to be so honoured is a worthy public acclamation of their careers and augurs well for inspiring fellow Jamaicans. And this week we say kudos and toast the police!

And for those wishing an experience above and beyond the ordinary, the Chris Issa-owned and operated Spanish Court Boutique Hotel and Spa is definitely our pick of the week!