Tuesday February 17, 2026
“I’m thrilled to chair [the Sugar Cane Ball] tonight because Valentine’s Day is my favourite holiday. So I want to wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day. So let’s open up our hearts. Jamaica needs us more than ever tonight,” said Sugar Cane Ball Chair Vanessa Noel in welcoming guests to the 69th staging of the event last Saturday at Round Hill Hotel and Villas. Themed the One Love Ball, the evening channelled the spirit of giving into a night of cocktails, dinner, and dancing. Beyond the glamour, the mission was clear: Supporting Hanover Charities’ continued relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa last October.
In a whirlwind of generosity, auctioneer Rachael White Young emptied wallets, to bring the evening’s tally to a little over US$400,000.
Acknowledging the challenges of recent months, Hanover Charities Chair Katrin Casserley was visibly moved by the turnout. “I was saying to [Vice-Chair Jennifer Flannigan], if 150 people show up tonight, we are happy and lucky and grateful,” Casserley told the crowd. “It’s almost 300! So you should also be very proud.”
Page 2 shares highlights.
Garfield Robinson
With Love Ready to bring the One Love spirit to the Sugar Cane Ball were (from left) Hanover Charities Chair Katrin Casserly; Sugar Cane Ball Chair Vanessa Noel; Hanover Charities Vice-Chair Jennifer Flanagan; and auctioneer Rachael White Young. Garfield Robinson
Leading The Way Round Hill Hotel and Villas Managing Director Josef Forstmayr (right) and Round Hill Board Chairman Stephen Lari welcomed Former US Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda La Grange Johnson to the Sugar Cane Ball. Garfield Robinson
Lauren & Lauren A double Lauren sighting as Ralph Lauren Vice-Chairman David Lauren and his wife Lauren Bush acknowledged the Page 2 lensman. Garfield Robinson
Heart And Soul Papped on arrival were Honorary Consul of Brazil to Jamaica James Goren who made a statement in Ralph Lauren trousers, while his wife, veteran journalist and philanthropist Manuela stepped out in a Keneea Linton design. Garfield Robinson
Regal Entrance Whitter Group of Companies CEO Angella Whitter stopped the room in a Remi Kimono from Temperley London. Garfield Robinson
Shimmery Bronze Attorney-at-law Dr Doris Voll dazzled in a kaftan from Taller Marmo. Garfield Robinson
Four A Cause Physicians Dr Min Ahn (left) and his wife Dr Lynne Ahn (second left) shared the frame with finance specialist John Mecca and his marketing specialist wife Jennifer. Garfield Robinson
