Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

After nearly three years since attaining the highest position in the country, Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall will demit office next month.

It is somewhat sad to see them both go at this juncture as the nation had watched them grow in their roles. We have grown comfortable with Sir Kenneth's non-interventionist role, and that of his wife as an erudite artist, who gave her support to many worthy and charitable causes.

The nation was well served by the humility and character of the first couple, whose appointment was greeted with trepidation in some quarters, pretty similar to how the announcement of the successor is being treated now!

To their credit, however, Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall served the people and their nation without rancour or affectation, but with a sense of duty and honour that will hopefully follow them into retirement.

As they take their leave, this column wishes for them good health and best regards as we welcome governor general designate Dr Patrick Allen and his wife.

Congratulations

Congratulations are in order and extended to businessman and social pillar Paul Issa, on his recent appointment to the post of honorary consul of Portugal. And it will be an April wedding for local writer Nicola Cunningham and her long-time beau, Michael Williams.

Belated birthday greetings to the patriarch of the esteemed Hendrickson family, Karl Hendrickson, who celebrated his birthday on the 8th of January. Plus, Julianne Lee celebrated her very special day on the 10th of January. The absolutely stunning Jenny Berry celebrated her special day the day after; Donovan Brown celebrated his big day on the 21st and the charmingly grand Betty Delfosse-Ingleton will celebrate her 50th birthday today.

Also celebrating the big 5-o today is fashion designer, the gorgeous Sandra Kennedy. Photographer and antique dealer Noel Garcia will celebrate his day next Saturday. Best wishes all around!

And it was definitely champagne toasts, in fact, make that Mimosas last Saturday, January 17, when social grand dame Michelle Bovell celebrated her birthday!

Absolutely fab

But the place to be, was definitely the beach bar at the trés chic Couples San Souci all-inclusive resort as the first lady of fashion was the toast of the occasion as her friends, the fab Carole Issa Cartade, Charles Hanna, Beverley Junor Levy and Anthony and Jeanne Watson joined the birthday lady and her husband, Chris Bovell, to toast the occasion.

Looking absolutely fab, fashion's reigning empress arrived to a chorus of happy birthday kisses, hugs and well-wishes as she was greeted like the star she is by friends for a luncheon to mark the occasion.

The day was punctuated by telephone calls coming in from all across the globe, as family and friends called to express their best wishes and share in the moment!

Michelle Bovell - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Karl Hendrickson

Betty Delfosse-Ingleton

Paul Issa - Photo by Chester Francis-Jackson