Renowned People’s National Party supporter George Phang was the man of the hour, but Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange was the ace in the deck of cards at the well-known businessman’s birthday bash last Tuesday in the Arnett Gardens community of St Andrew Southern.

Phang, who insisted to his friends that he was only 16 years old, was recognised by many of those whom he has known for many years in the fields of politics and sports, among them Member of Parliament (MP) and former Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips, fellow MP and former Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Phillip Paulwell, former Cabinet minister Colin Campbell, Central Jamaica businessman Kenneth Black, former star footballer Allan “Skill” Cole, and medical practitioner Dr Lloyd Brooks.

But when Grange strolled into the area known as ‘Bibow’ corner around 11 pm, cheers rang out for her as she embraced many of those present, some even latching onto photo opportunities.

“I have always respected Babsy, but my respect for her tonight has grown even further,” Paulwell told the Jamaica Observer. “This is how politics should work. No matter who you are and what party you defend, you should be free to go into any community that you choose to enter and feel comfortable,” Paulwell said.

Grange is a veteran Jamaica Labour Party MP, whose base is St Catherine Central. She was raised in West Kingston, which adjoins South St Andrew, and played an active role in shaping the lives of people there over the years.

For Phang, having Grange by his side on his special day was an enormous statement.

“Me and Babsy grow up in West Kingston, so we a come from far,” Phang stated. “Politics can’t divide us. We have been friends for too long,” Phang continued.

The friendship between Phang and Grange strengthened during the 1976 State of Emergency when both were detained at Up Park Camp, the headquarters of the Jamaica Defence Force at a time, when political tension gripped sections of the Corporate Area in particular.

The night’s activities started warming up around 9 o’clock as the birthday man chilled with close associates in round -table style. By the time Grange arrived, the tempo stepped up, and even hours after many of the dignitaries had opted for the confines of their homes, that did not stop the forward march of many others.

Entertainers Josey Wales, homeboys Peter Metro and Nesbeth, Junior Cat, Lynval Thompson, Admiral Tibet, Tristan Palmer, Errol Dunkley, among others, kept the huge crowd buzzing with performances, backed by Stone Love Music.

Footballer Ian “Pepe” Goodison rolled in with his touring team around 3:00 am, and even when Stone Love had shut things down minutes after 7:00am Wednesday morning, the people were still asking for more.

“A di first dance we have inna the community fi a long time wey gwaan so good,” one young man from Arnett Gardens said. “We need things like this more inna Arnett fi mek people feel good and maintain unity.”

Phang manages the Arnett Gardens Football Club and is involved in the horse racing, music, and transportation industries.