WithWhen it comes to the proliferation of female managers, Jamaica ranks number one with the highest percentage, at 60 per cent, in the world. An area of The Rock’s business sector benefiting from this feminine mystique is that of distribution, more specifically in the scope of brand management. Our industry picks of Bicknell, Douglas, Mitchell and Silvera have shown their ability to instil faith in a now more informed consumer and adapt to the tides of a perpetually changing market. Thirty-two new rooms opened in LaSource, Grenada, and the Maldives came to Montego Bay as the young mogul Adam Stewart unveiled the Over the Water elegance of the suits at Sandals Royal Caribbean this year. There’s a lot going on all across the region as he works to expand the Stewart empire… Plus, can you say Porsche and Prosperity 20 times without getting tongue-tied?If you get him to turn up, you’re definitely more interesting than we thought!The buzz these days among the nationalists is “5 in 4” and more specifically, its champion, Michael Lee Chin, seems hell bent on ensuring “the new growth agenda is not just another talk shop”. We’re keyed in and want to hear more, Sir. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s a billionaire, owner of the Portland Holdings Group, chairman of the National Commercial Bank and a hotelier; so you know his acumen is tried, tested and proven.Jamaican-Canadian tycoon Wes Hall has been known to say, “Activism is the new asset class”; indeed, we’ll take things a bit further declaring that having him among the year-end’s most stylish class is an asset. The founder and CEO of Kingsdale Shareholder Services certainly will keep guests entertained whether he’s musing on his 80-minute docu-flick about his journey from poverty in St Thomas to the seat of power, working in the financial district on Bay Street (think Canada’s Wall Street equivalent); his passion for youth development or giving back.Following a stint in Barbados, David Noel is now back on The Rock with a promotion to boot – he’s Scotiabank Jamaica Limited’s newly appointed deputy CEO who will, among other things, lead the bank’s digital strategy. How banking will serve the next generation is on everyone’s minds no doubt, and given his regional outlook we’re positive it’ll make for interesting conversation.Juggling his responsibilities as the leader of Jamaica’s largest bank, NCB, and new fatherhood, we’re sure the affable Patrick Hylton has his hands full. We’d, however, still like to spot him at a few of the season’s do’s to hear plans around widening the lead, sharpening his team and, of course, how he’s managing diaper duties!Dennis Cohen is a soft-spoken but solid financier who is the Deputy Managing Director at the National Commercial Bank and has a passion for youth development. Though he’s a numbers man, it’s not unusual to hear him share a joke or three, and it’s the kind of fodder that balances the hard talk and adds flavour to any cocktail event.Married to PNP General Secretary incumbent Julian Robinson, Mariame Robinson is not the kind of politico wife whose sole purpose is to dotingly look on from the shadows at stage left while hubby speaks. She a bonafide banker – the CEO of First Global Bank to be exact. Honing her skills at Portland Holdings, Robinson brings international experience to the table while still managing family and social life.Who would have thought that #Don’t blush, baby!” would pale in comparison to the alleged goings on during the US elections campaign?! cricketer-turned-restaurateur Chris Gayle always exudes an in-the-streets kind of edge that makes him endearing; we’d definitely want to hear more on how he used the run-in with reporter Mel McLaughlin to inspire his next move. Plus, did he really name his daughter ‘BLUSH’?Talk about Olympic trifecta. A new documentary, several new endorsements and a series regular onHe’s long been a staple on the athletics scene, doing well for us even before the meteoric rise of the legendary Bolt. Check out the Olympian Asafa Powell’sJamaica’s newest golden girl seemingly catapulted to the top of the heap this past August as she blazed the track in Rio. She’s a spunky character whom we’d like to see more of this season.‘Rocklete’ and Nike it-girl, our Pocket Rocket continues to make strides in her career while managing to always look effortlessly stylish off-track. These days she’s balancing the pursuit of her psychology master’s with her career and family life but we know she’s a good sport when it comes to going out for a night on the town.Nothing socks it more to one’s naysayers than receiving public praise from others; in this case the highest industry acclaim no less (Is Cory Todd reading?)… It seems Devin Di Dakta got on the right ‘meds’ after the alleged beating incident with the famed producer and chose to rise above the fray in order to achieve his recent Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. He’s part of the writing and production team who brought us Sly & Robbie’sWith himself and wife Jodi/Jinx expecting their first child, we’re sure Sean Paul will be taking it easy for the holidays. He’s having a stellar year, from collabs with Sia (their songHe’s fully emerged from the shadows of an alleged fallout with Vybz Kartel to embrace his destiny as his “unruly” protege Popcaan is the future of dancehall. Like Sean Paul he’s blurring the lines between the Jamaican genre and hip hop, collaborating with both Drake and Jamie Foxx to produce ‘earcandy’ magic.With vocals reminiscent of Lauryn Hill-meets-Cynthia Schloss, chanteuse Sevana’s star is rising. After opening for Third World two Friday’s ago, theIt’s all eyes on Julian Jay Robinson right now — the man, dare we say, who represents the new idea of the People’s National Party. An ace politico with a proven track record, Robinson, the Opposition spokesman on Information and the Knowledge Economy, recently succeeded the embattled Paul Burke to become the party’s next general secretary. Something tells us though that this is just a short stop before setting his eyes on higher aspirations (chairman of the party, perhaps?). It doesn’t hurt, too, that he’s married to financial strategist Mariame, First Global Bank CEO, and we’re sure together they’ll both achieve even greater national relevance.With a quiet confidence and a stealthy work ethic, the new minister of health is seemingly making inroads in what some have long considered a failing public health-care system. He’s earned a few stripes for the methodical approach to managing the Zika epidemic and we’re eager to see more results. We applaud him for starting with himself first – yes, we’ve seen him clocking those marathon miles – encouraging Jamaicans to get active in an effort to beat the bulge! He’s got a couple good jokes, too; and with his ever so-charming-wife Naedene by his side, we’re sure he’d make excellent company at the year’s parties.The twice-over Jamaican ambassador to the United States is now back in Washington and it’s anyone’s guess as to how influential she’ll be when President Trump takes office in January. Here’s to their having more in common than being entrepreneurs.We’ve long considered Peter Bunting the George Clooney of The Rock (you know, that furtive glance that’s usually a feature of his facial expression). And now that he’s found his Amal in the gorgeous educator Anuscha-Mae Walton, we can’t help but wonder if his next step will be to chair the People’s National Party. Himself, a successful businessman, we’re excited too, at the prospect of what he’ll bring to the table – can you say direct foreign investment?The ‘Champion Boy’ has at last got his mandate from the Jamaican people and we reckon he’s poised to take us forward. For starters, we appreciate the acknowledgement of the People’s National Party’s efforts around the IMF programme and the continuation thereof. But for every arguably right move, there’s always a counter-play and that’s what makes conversations over cocktails so interesting. Strong topics for the party scene, we’ll admit, but no better place, we suppose, to have open and unpretentious dialogue around the plans for national security and industry.With more than 50 years’ experience in politics, our former prime minister has decided she no longer wishes to head the People’s National Party. Following last Sunday’s emotional meeting, we’re sure the curious has lots to ask. She’s a fabulous host herself, but we reckon she’ll now have time to unwind, recoup and regroup in 2017… perhaps taking cues from some insightful holiday conversations.Let’s applaud his efforts on staying the course as outlined by the IMF but what’s really on our minds is whether he’ll get the top nod as the People’s National Party leader.Who would have thought that musing about mangoes could bring 250,000Turning his millennial following into a movement, Rohan “Quite Perry” Perry is steadily expanding his reach to events hosting, television and promotional appearances. We’re sure having him at an event gives rise to much laughter and comical banter.Still the chief orator of pop culture through the lens of the youth, Rushane ‘Dutty Berry’ Berry will keep you in stitches.Blondes definitely have more fun, but the multi-hyphenate maven Cortia Bingham is testament that they’ve got brains too. For who could forget her We Inspire Women series last summer, bringing the young and fab, mature and sophisticated together for a weekend of female empowerment. Always ready to make a style statement, we know if you step out and see her, you’re in the right place.Self-preservation is the idiosyncratic term that comes to mind when one thinks of the philanthropist and socialite who is an ardent champion of her member of parliament hubby Daryl’s political career. Ever the head-turner, she continues to change lives through the ONE Jamaica Foundation proving that beauty and style can be applied to every aspect of a life well lived. All the hustle and bustle of globetrotting melts away through the perspective of Pauline Edie. Discover the things the administrator and our ambassador of fab has seen and the experiences she’s indulged in this year as well as the next stops on her destination wish list. They’re sure to become 2017’s trendiest havens. We’ve all seen the viral video (try 500,000 views) of her moving to Vybz Kartel’sBeauty. Brains. Brawn… who says a woman can’t have it all. This petite dynamo is mother to three gorgeous children she shares with hubby Agent Sasco; principal of AIM Educational Services and makes no bones about going beast mode every day in the gym. Add to that, her bumper schedule of school tours where she inspires students to reach for greater as well as a number of other speaking and tutoring arrangements… all before reading ‘LC’ and ‘Weezy’ their favourite bedtime stories.Swaby’s hot-off-the-press appointment to the board of the NCB Foundation is proof that Jamaica’s largest bank has now bolstered its plan in securing a better future for the nation’s children. Her art is as striking as it is controversial, so no surprise really that artist Ebony G Patterson will add depth and texture to any scene she’s a part of this holiday season. Following a successful showing at this year’s Art Basel Miami, Patterson can add to her resume an expertly curated holiday storefront in Barneys New York no less – a haunting and beautiful homage to love and her native Jamaica. Inherent in Patterson’s works is the dichotomy of Jamaican society, the tensions that exist between masculine and feminine, love and war, beauty and anger.Her layered and soulful works position her as one of the most interesting artists of our time and lures us to want to see more from her.Even a prominent black & white shutterbug, who has mastered the worlds of fine and commercial photography, can change gears with a stroke of genius. Phang Sang is now experimenting with colour to vibrant effect. Gets your peepers affixed to his latest series of painted skin. No explanation required, really!Legal’s new wingman.This pair of attorneys are always on the lookout for the new and the exciting. From their creative projects which are defined by the ‘Trajectories’ art exhibition and the ‘What’s Next?’ cocktail event, Bowie-Jones and Stiebel are giving the stuffy world of the legal profession a refreshing makeover. With his first brick-and-mortar flagship opening in downtown Manhattan, not to mention his addition to the retail experience of The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, Harris is the jeweller du jour for collectors who appreciate modern lines and geometric silhouettes. The face and the strut that launched top campaigns, beautiful editorals, and presented countless collections belongs to this Saint International supermodel — a Chanel and Valentino fave — whose hardwork was finally rewarded with her deserved entry on to the influential models.com Top 50 List. This coiffeur is fun and affable, and maintains the tresses of some The Rock’s most popular social butterflies. Always spotted in the liveliest company, Raynor is ever-ready to charm with his wit and humour.

Go ahead, think of all the elements you love about your favourite occasions and you’d be hard-pressed to dispute the power great company had on your overall enjoyment. Was it the way they made you laugh? The warmth with which they invited you into their inner circle? Or the titilation you felt when they whispered in your ear? As the social demands of the festive season take hold, allow SO to guide your hand and your répondez s’il vous plaît expectations as we push the envelope with our annual guest list.

(OBSERVER FILE PHOTOS )

BUSINESS

CHRIS DEHRING & ORVILLE ‘SHAGGY’ BURRELL

Digital Interactive Services President/CEO & Partner

With ReadyTV set to launch in the first quarter of 2017, we’ll be hanging on to their every word as they expound on ‘Pick it up, hook it up, top it up’. Add to this Shaggy’s passion for philanthropy and it’s going to be a pretty bombastic ride.

JAIME BICKNELL; NASHA-MONIQUE DOUGLAS; ERIN MITCHELL & KATHRYN SILVERA

Select Brands Brand Manager, Wines; Red Stripe Beer Senior Brand Manager; Select Brands Marketing Manager; and Chas E Ramson Advertising & Marketing Manager

When it comes to the proliferation of female managers, Jamaica ranks number one with the highest percentage, at 60 per cent, in the world. An area of The Rock’s business sector benefiting from this feminine mystique is that of distribution, more specifically in the scope of brand management. Our industry picks of Bicknell, Douglas, Mitchell and Silvera have shown their ability to instil faith in a now more informed consumer and adapt to the tides of a perpetually changing market.

ADAM STEWART

CEO & Deputy Chair, Sandals Resorts International, ATL Group, and Island Routes Caribbean Adventures

Thirty-two new rooms opened in LaSource, Grenada, and the Maldives came to Montego Bay as the young mogul Adam Stewart unveiled the Over the Water elegance of the suits at Sandals Royal Caribbean this year. There’s a lot going on all across the region as he works to expand the Stewart empire… Plus, can you say Porsche and Prosperity 20 times without getting tongue-tied?

CHRIS BLACKWELL

Founder, Island Records & Island Outpost

If you get him to turn up, you’re definitely more interesting than we thought!

BANKING & FINANCE

MICHAEL LEE CHIN

Chairman & President, Portland Holdings Inc & Chairman, NCB Jamaica

The buzz these days among the nationalists is “5 in 4” and more specifically, its champion, Michael Lee Chin, seems hell bent on ensuring “the new growth agenda is not just another talk shop”. We’re keyed in and want to hear more, Sir. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s a billionaire, owner of the Portland Holdings Group, chairman of the National Commercial Bank and a hotelier; so you know his acumen is tried, tested and proven.

WES HALL

Founder & CEO, Kingsdale Shareholder Services

Jamaican-Canadian tycoon Wes Hall has been known to say, “Activism is the new asset class”; indeed, we’ll take things a bit further declaring that having him among the year-end’s most stylish class is an asset. The founder and CEO of Kingsdale Shareholder Services certainly will keep guests entertained whether he’s musing on his 80-minute docu-flick about his journey from poverty in St Thomas to the seat of power, working in the financial district on Bay Street (think Canada’s Wall Street equivalent); his passion for youth development or giving back.

DAVID NOEL

Deputy CEO, Scotiabank

Following a stint in Barbados, David Noel is now back on The Rock with a promotion to boot – he’s Scotiabank Jamaica Limited’s newly appointed deputy CEO who will, among other things, lead the bank’s digital strategy. How banking will serve the next generation is on everyone’s minds no doubt, and given his regional outlook we’re positive it’ll make for interesting conversation.

PATRICK HYLTON

Group Managing Director, National Commercial Bank

Juggling his responsibilities as the leader of Jamaica’s largest bank, NCB, and new fatherhood, we’re sure the affable Patrick Hylton has his hands full. We’d, however, still like to spot him at a few of the season’s do’s to hear plans around widening the lead, sharpening his team and, of course, how he’s managing diaper duties!

DENNIS COHEN

Deputy Managing Director, National Commercial Bank

Dennis Cohen is a soft-spoken but solid financier who is the Deputy Managing Director at the National Commercial Bank and has a passion for youth development. Though he’s a numbers man, it’s not unusual to hear him share a joke or three, and it’s the kind of fodder that balances the hard talk and adds flavour to any cocktail event.

MARIAME MCINTOSH-ROBINSON

President & CEO, First Global Bank

Married to PNP General Secretary incumbent Julian Robinson, Mariame Robinson is not the kind of politico wife whose sole purpose is to dotingly look on from the shadows at stage left while hubby speaks. She a bonafide banker – the CEO of First Global Bank to be exact. Honing her skills at Portland Holdings, Robinson brings international experience to the table while still managing family and social life.

SPORTS

CHRIS GAYLE

Cricketer

Who would have thought that #Don’t blush, baby!” would pale in comparison to the alleged goings on during the US elections campaign?! cricketer-turned-restaurateur Chris Gayle always exudes an in-the-streets kind of edge that makes him endearing; we’d definitely want to hear more on how he used the run-in with reporter Mel McLaughlin to inspire his next move. Plus, did he really name his daughter ‘BLUSH’?

USAIN BOLT

Sprinter

Talk about Olympic trifecta. A new documentary, several new endorsements and a series regular on

The Late Late Show with his new wingman James Corden, Usain Bolt is transitioning his brand to next-level fame. Will he or won’t he? I guess we’d have to spot his belle Kasi B’s ring finger while we’re at a session or two this season, won’t we?

ASAFA POWELL

Sprinter

He’s long been a staple on the athletics scene, doing well for us even before the meteoric rise of the legendary Bolt. Check out the Olympian Asafa Powell’s

Instagram and you’ll realise why the ladies just keep pressing the like button.

ELAINE THOMPSON

Sprinter

Jamaica’s newest golden girl seemingly catapulted to the top of the heap this past August as she blazed the track in Rio. She’s a spunky character whom we’d like to see more of this season.

SHELLY-ANN FRASER PRYCE

Sprinter

‘Rocklete’ and Nike it-girl, our Pocket Rocket continues to make strides in her career while managing to always look effortlessly stylish off-track. These days she’s balancing the pursuit of her psychology master’s with her career and family life but we know she’s a good sport when it comes to going out for a night on the town.

MUSIC

DEVIN DI DAKTA

Nothing socks it more to one’s naysayers than receiving public praise from others; in this case the highest industry acclaim no less (Is Cory Todd reading?)… It seems Devin Di Dakta got on the right ‘meds’ after the alleged beating incident with the famed producer and chose to rise above the fray in order to achieve his recent Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album. He’s part of the writing and production team who brought us Sly & Robbie’s

Reggae For Her. The winner of the 2015 staging of Magnum Kings & Queens of Dancehall reality show, we believe, is the genre’s next style icon (think Beenie’s heir-apparent); he’s set to continue to reach for the stars. And you know what? We’re here for it!

BEENIE MAN

Unstoppable is the new album and it’s the perfect word to describe the self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall. Always putting forward his stylish best and being the life of the party, Beenie Man is the epitome of jovial. Music aside, there’s plenty of conversation here…on finding love again, quitting cigarettes, whether his American visa will ever be reissued or his thoughts on the controversial Yellow Pages cover.

SEAN PAUL

With himself and wife Jodi/Jinx expecting their first child, we’re sure Sean Paul will be taking it easy for the holidays. He’s having a stellar year, from collabs with Sia (their song

Cheap Thrills received a 2017 Grammy nomination for Best Duo) and Clean Bandit to his nod inForbes, hosting Sean this season will add layers of interest to any party.

AGENT SASCO

Theory of Reggaetivity was one of the year’s hottest albums, no surprise really since we’ve long admired Agent Sasco for his lyrical prowess. We simply can’t get enough of him and his family – think this beauty-meets-brains of a wife Nicole McLaren-Campbell and their three adorable children.

POPCAAN

He’s fully emerged from the shadows of an alleged fallout with Vybz Kartel to embrace his destiny as his “unruly” protege Popcaan is the future of dancehall. Like Sean Paul he’s blurring the lines between the Jamaican genre and hip hop, collaborating with both Drake and Jamie Foxx to produce ‘earcandy’ magic.

SEVANA

With vocals reminiscent of Lauryn Hill-meets-Cynthia Schloss, chanteuse Sevana’s star is rising. After opening for Third World two Friday’s ago, the

Chant It singer is set to do big things musically. We’re open to the idea of hearing her musical stylings at an easy cocktail or Christmas concert.

POLITICS

JULIAN ROBINSON

Member of Parliament for St Andrew South East & general secretary of the People’s National Party

It’s all eyes on Julian Jay Robinson right now — the man, dare we say, who represents the new idea of the People’s National Party. An ace politico with a proven track record, Robinson, the Opposition spokesman on Information and the Knowledge Economy, recently succeeded the embattled Paul Burke to become the party’s next general secretary. Something tells us though that this is just a short stop before setting his eyes on higher aspirations (chairman of the party, perhaps?). It doesn’t hurt, too, that he’s married to financial strategist Mariame, First Global Bank CEO, and we’re sure together they’ll both achieve even greater national relevance.

DR CHRIS TUFTON

Minister of Health

With a quiet confidence and a stealthy work ethic, the new minister of health is seemingly making inroads in what some have long considered a failing public health-care system. He’s earned a few stripes for the methodical approach to managing the Zika epidemic and we’re eager to see more results. We applaud him for starting with himself first – yes, we’ve seen him clocking those marathon miles – encouraging Jamaicans to get active in an effort to beat the bulge! He’s got a couple good jokes, too; and with his ever so-charming-wife Naedene by his side, we’re sure he’d make excellent company at the year’s parties.

AUDREY MARKS

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States

The twice-over Jamaican ambassador to the United States is now back in Washington and it’s anyone’s guess as to how influential she’ll be when President Trump takes office in January. Here’s to their having more in common than being entrepreneurs.

PETER BUNTING

Opposition Spokesman for National Security

We’ve long considered Peter Bunting the George Clooney of The Rock (you know, that furtive glance that’s usually a feature of his facial expression). And now that he’s found his Amal in the gorgeous educator Anuscha-Mae Walton, we can’t help but wonder if his next step will be to chair the People’s National Party. Himself, a successful businessman, we’re excited too, at the prospect of what he’ll bring to the table – can you say direct foreign investment?

ANDREW HOLNESS

Prime Minister of Jamaica

The ‘Champion Boy’ has at last got his mandate from the Jamaican people and we reckon he’s poised to take us forward. For starters, we appreciate the acknowledgement of the People’s National Party’s efforts around the IMF programme and the continuation thereof. But for every arguably right move, there’s always a counter-play and that’s what makes conversations over cocktails so interesting. Strong topics for the party scene, we’ll admit, but no better place, we suppose, to have open and unpretentious dialogue around the plans for national security and industry.

PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER

Leader of the Opposition

With more than 50 years’ experience in politics, our former prime minister has decided she no longer wishes to head the People’s National Party. Following last Sunday’s emotional meeting, we’re sure the curious has lots to ask. She’s a fabulous host herself, but we reckon she’ll now have time to unwind, recoup and regroup in 2017… perhaps taking cues from some insightful holiday conversations.

DR PETER PHILLIPS

Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Central

Let’s applaud his efforts on staying the course as outlined by the IMF but what’s really on our minds is whether he’ll get the top nod as the People’s National Party leader.

SOCIAL MEDIA

PRINCE PINE

@prince_pine

Who would have thought that musing about mangoes could bring 250,000

Instagram followers and a contract with Bigga soft drink with the promise of more to come?

ROHAN ‘QUITE PERRY’ PERRY

@quiteperry

Turning his millennial following into a movement, Rohan “Quite Perry” Perry is steadily expanding his reach to events hosting, television and promotional appearances. We’re sure having him at an event gives rise to much laughter and comical banter.

RUSHANE ‘DUTTY BERRY’ BERRY

@duttyberryshow

Still the chief orator of pop culture through the lens of the youth, Rushane ‘Dutty Berry’ Berry will keep you in stitches.

LIFESTYLE

CORTIA BINGHAM

Events, sponsorship, and public relations consultant

Blondes definitely have more fun, but the multi-hyphenate maven Cortia Bingham is testament that they’ve got brains too. For who could forget her We Inspire Women series last summer, bringing the young and fab, mature and sophisticated together for a weekend of female empowerment. Always ready to make a style statement, we know if you step out and see her, you’re in the right place.

ANN MARIE VAZ

Philanthropist & Socialite

Self-preservation is the idiosyncratic term that comes to mind when one thinks of the philanthropist and socialite who is an ardent champion of her member of parliament hubby Daryl’s political career. Ever the head-turner, she continues to change lives through the ONE Jamaica Foundation proving that beauty and style can be applied to every aspect of a life well lived.

PAULINE EDIE

Administrative Manager, Selective Homes

All the hustle and bustle of globetrotting melts away through the perspective of Pauline Edie. Discover the things the administrator and our ambassador of fab has seen and the experiences she’s indulged in this year as well as the next stops on her destination wish list. They’re sure to become 2017’s trendiest havens.

SHANI SHIRLEY

Fitness expert, lifestyle coach & director, CHAi Studios

We’ve all seen the viral video (try 500,000 views) of her moving to Vybz Kartel’s

Fever. Plus, she the go-to gal for all the Upper-Sain’ Andrew set eager to learn a couple zinc-fence-inspired moves… it doesn’t hurt, too that the Chai Studios operator and former Miss Universe is easy on the eyes and full of personality!

EDUCATION

NICOLE MCLAREN-CAMPBELL

Founder & CEO, AIM Educational Services

Beauty. Brains. Brawn… who says a woman can’t have it all. This petite dynamo is mother to three gorgeous children she shares with hubby Agent Sasco; principal of AIM Educational Services and makes no bones about going beast mode every day in the gym. Add to that, her bumper schedule of school tours where she inspires students to reach for greater as well as a number of other speaking and tutoring arrangements… all before reading ‘LC’ and ‘Weezy’ their favourite bedtime stories.

GORDON SWABY

Founder & CEO, EduFocual

Swaby’s hot-off-the-press appointment to the board of the NCB Foundation is proof that Jamaica’s largest bank has now bolstered its plan in securing a better future for the nation’s children.

ART

EBONY G PATTERSON

Mixed-media artist

Her art is as striking as it is controversial, so no surprise really that artist Ebony G Patterson will add depth and texture to any scene she’s a part of this holiday season. Following a successful showing at this year’s Art Basel Miami, Patterson can add to her resume an expertly curated holiday storefront in Barneys New York no less – a haunting and beautiful homage to love and her native Jamaica. Inherent in Patterson’s works is the dichotomy of Jamaican society, the tensions that exist between masculine and feminine, love and war, beauty and anger.

Her layered and soulful works position her as one of the most interesting artists of our time and lures us to want to see more from her.

CRAIG PHANG SANG

Photographer

Even a prominent black & white shutterbug, who has mastered the worlds of fine and commercial photography, can change gears with a stroke of genius. Phang Sang is now experimenting with colour to vibrant effect. Gets your peepers affixed to his latest series of painted skin.

MEDIA

ANTHONY MILLER

Entertainment journalist & executive producer, TVJ’s Entertainment Report

No explanation required, really!

LAW

PETER CHAMPAGNIE

Attorney-at-law

Legal’s new wingman.

SIMONE BOWIE-JONES & DANIELLE STIEBEL (right)

Myers, Fletcher & Gordon Associate & Partner

This pair of attorneys are always on the lookout for the new and the exciting. From their creative projects which are defined by the ‘Trajectories’ art exhibition and the ‘What’s Next?’ cocktail event, Bowie-Jones and Stiebel are giving the stuffy world of the legal profession a refreshing makeover.

TASTEMAKING

MATTHEW HARRIS

Jewellery designer, Mateo New York

With his first brick-and-mortar flagship opening in downtown Manhattan, not to mention his addition to the retail experience of The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, Harris is the jeweller du jour for collectors who appreciate modern lines and geometric silhouettes.

TAMI WILLIAMS

Model, Saint International

The face and the strut that launched top campaigns, beautiful editorals, and presented countless collections belongs to this Saint International supermodel — a Chanel and Valentino fave — whose hardwork was finally rewarded with her deserved entry on to the influential models.com Top 50 List.

ADOLPH “ADOLFO” RAYNOR

Hairstylist

This coiffeur is fun and affable, and maintains the tresses of some The Rock’s most popular social butterflies. Always spotted in the liveliest company, Raynor is ever-ready to charm with his wit and humour.