Desmond Allen’s Greatest Hits:Wondrous Tales of Extraordinary Jamaicans, the book honouring Gordon “Butch” Stewart, was launched at a glitzy ceremony Tuesday evening at the upscale AC Hotel by Kingston.

Defying torrential rains and gridlock traffic in the city, the launch event also paid homage to the 20 outstanding Jamaicans featured in the book and dubbed hitmakers, some of them represented by family members, cheered on by admirers and close friends.

Among those paying tribute to author Desmond Allen, founding editor of the Jamaica Observer who was simultaneously celebrating his 50th anniversary in journalism, were: Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who was also featured in the book; executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart; Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn, also a hitmaker and Milton Walker, president of the Press Association of Jamaica.

The book, Allen’s first, debuted as number one in category on the Amazon Best Seller list earlier this month.

On hand to capture the high points was Observer‘s Photo Editor Joseph Wellington: