Chester Francis-Jackson, Freelance Writer

Butler

And so, the absolutely gorgeous Laura Butler is now not only betrothed - the lucky man, Barbadian national, Dr Maurice Walrond - the lady of style and haute pizzazz is with child, and beamingly so.

Well, to celebrate the impending arrival of her little bundle of joy, friends of the enterprising marketing and image consultant decided on getting together in order to throw a baby shower in her honour.

And so they did on Saturday, May 17, at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel on Waterloo Road. And, luvs, the buzz is all about the very fab do that it was.

Wonderful organisation

Organised by Maya Walrond, Dr Kurdel Espinosa, Dr Shelly Trim, Abigail Younce, Carina Cockburn and Carrole Guntley, the first-time mother-to-be is full of praises for her friends who, she says, did a wonderful job in putting together the whole affair, and for the role each of her friends played in seeing to its success.

Especially "in keeping information from me that ensured that I was duly and really surprised to see my fiance's mother, Beverly Walrond, who came in from Barbados, as well as my cousin Sara Collins McMurdo, who flew in from the Cayman islands to be here".

Hosted under the theme, 'Showering Laura with Love', there were some of this nation's leading ladies in attendance. And make no mistake about it, it was one august representation of women of style and substance.

Not that there were no men in attendance, but this was by and large a party organised by the sisterhood to celebrate friendship, the impending arrival of a newborn, and the new path being taken by their friend and colleague, the lovely Ms Butler.

And, dears, make no bones about it, the gathering included women who have all excelled in their chosen fields.

The guest of honour, in thanking all for making it happen, said, "You all excel in your areas of speciality which range from business to successful lawyers, doctors, pilots, artists, film producers, leaders in our blessed and beautiful country, women of strength, character and brilliant minds, amazing moms, wives, beauty queens and some of the most beautiful women I have ever come across with souls that just can't help, but to touch your life in a meaningful way. I am truly fortunate to have you as friends and family. I can't wait for baby to meet her cousins and all her aunts. After all, what better role models will she need?"

Dears, it was like that - a lovefest and nothing but, and it made for a moving testimonial of support and love, while eloquently giving visible support to the age-old belief in some quarters that it does take a village to raise a child.

And so it was, that with toasts and an overflow of goodwill and good wishes, friends, family and supporters of Laura Butler and her yet unborn daughter had a memorable occasion. As indeed, the very next day saw the celebrant jetting off to Barbados to be with her beau and await the July arrival of their bundle of joy.

Invitees

Among the shortlist of friends and family members were Beverly Walrond; Derrick Needham; Bernadette McKinley-Matalon; the charming Jennifer Stannigar; Mickey Haughton-James; Dr Kurdel Espinosa; Dr Shelly Trim, the fabulously lovely Rebecca Issa; Maya Walrond; Simon Fredricks; Viv Lue Tenn; the elegant Natalie Bonnick; Sara Collins McMurdo; Edna Walker; Marjorie McNab, Peter Grant; Sara Lawrence; Desiree Depass Pullen; Sherie Peart Ranston; Carolyn Kirlew; Suzanne Grant; Gloria Grant; Raquel and Elaine Phillpott; Sahran Walters; Abigail Younce and Kwame Jackson.