,, -· - .. ·�-, .• .- '1'0 Febrbary 1'2�- l8J ·�a _ JLP honours Edward Seaga was an evenmg of reflection, warm embraces, applause and stand­ mg ovations as the Jamaica Labour Party loudly tolled its symbolic E ll in recognition of the Most Hon. EdwardPhillip GeorgeSeaga at a testimonial banquet held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on May 27, 2005. The man who headed the party pf three decades and devoted a total of 45 years to political life wasabundantly showered with accolades on th the eve of his 75 birthday. Members of the JLP family, representatives of the ruling People's NationalParty, the businesscommunity, diplomats and otherwell-wish­ ers were out in their numbers in the hotel's Grand Jamaica Suite to salute Mr.Seaga for hiscontribution to thegrowth of theJLP and nation­ aldevelopment was Theentrance of Mr. Seaga and hiswife, Carla met withraptUrous applause. Many trtbuteswere paid to Mr. Seaga and a video tributetook the audience through the vartous stages of his political career and cui- The Most Han Edward Seaga, his son Christopher (left) and Dr. Omar Davies blow out the candles on the birthday cake at a testimonial banquet for Mr, Seaga at the Jamaica Pegasus on May 27. All three men celebrate the same May 28 birthday. MICHAEL SLOLEY PHOTO NATIONAL LIBRARY OF JAMAICA minated with his present role as expressed his admiration in a Seaga fed Dr. Omar Davies cake Distinguished Fellow at the tapedvideo message. Hisgift: to Mr and vice versa. University of the West Indies, Seaga was the guitar he used to It appeared to be an unlikely Mona. write the hit Rebel In Me, which marriage of personalities across a This complimented the display was presented by fellow musical great public divide, but it was of a series of largerthan life photos icon, Byron Lee, who also handed somewhat fitting given the fact at the side of the suite that cap­ over a plaque of his group's 1959 that both men shared the same tured the honoured guest as a Dumplings record, v.illch waspro­ birth date. Mr. Seaga's son. young ambitious politician, a fear­ duced by Mr. Seaga. Christopher, alsoborn on May 28, less statesman, a family man and Leader of the Opposition Bruce was a part of the cake-feeding a man of the people. Golding presented Mr. Seaga with activity as well. In his reply, a slightly over­ leather bound volumes of the At I a.m. Byron Lee and the whelmed Mr. Seaga sn1ilingly .Lcru5Jwnaica of in a mahogany Dragonaires took control and remarked that he was at a loss for cabinet. · unleashed a string of hits that ini­ "words. On the other side of midnight, tiated a dancing frenzy, ensuring "It took 75 years for me to be one of the more memorable hap­ that the event concluded with a speechless. .I didn't expect this penings took place . when Mr. bang. glorious occasion. He thanked everyone for makingthe evening a fulfillingone for him. Captivating entertainment The Jamaica Labour Party pulled out all the stops to secure a stelliir line-up of performers with solid sets that captivated the audience. Veteran crooner Ken Boothe kept the hits coming. Dwight Richards and Friends steppedup to the fore to deliver trumpet-flavoured jazzy grooves and classic renditions. Carlene Davis, Candy Isaacs, theStra sisters, TrudyDeans chan The Most Han Edward Seaga seems to be directing Zein Issa and the Tivoli Dancers had Mr Nakash on how to use the camera while her father, the Hon, John Seaga expressing delightat the his lssa looks on. Occasion was a black-tie dinner Prime Minister range of talent on display and the P.J. Patterson hosted for Mr. Seaga at Vale Royal on March 9, clear indication that Jamaica is 2005, which was attended by Their Excellencies Sir Howard and richlybestowed with artistic talent Lady Cooke and members of the top brass of Jamaica's political, Noted musician Jimmy Cliff economic and social elite. NA'flO L LJJ>l:'-'l)'V '"''"' Tr -..� NATIONAL LIBRARY OF JAMAICA NA 'Tf""A .