(1) The lovely Alicia Fredericks poses for the camera.
(2) Jacqui Nielssen (left), Tal Stokes and Jeanette Hutchinson are in a happy mood.
(3) From left: Michelle Bovell; her husband, Christopher; Robert Cartade and his wife, Carole Issa-Cartade, spend time at the reception.
(4) From left: Nancy McLean, Norma Linton and Robert Cartade enjoy each other's company.

Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

He is known within consular and diplomatic circles as a man of charm and international know-how! In upper St Andrew, he is a generous host. Invitations to this parties, brunches and receptions organised with his fabulous wife are prized by some, coveted by many and cherished by others.

Little wonder the person in question is the enterprising Robert Cartade, a man of many hats. Currently serving as the honorary consul of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jamaica, Cartade first served as the honorary consul of the Kingdom of Belgium, before that government decided on reopening its mission here. He is also a respected real-estate developer known for his fabulous projects such as Long Mountain, Beverly Hills; St Mary Country Club; Negril Country Club; and Sea Palms, just outside of Ocho Rios, St Ann. These have been undertaken by his company, Selective Homes.

Well, as the saying goes, when times are tough, the tough get going. And true to form, while the rest of the world of business is busy screaming recession, the enterprising Cartade is not joining the chorus nor throwing his hands up in despair. Instead, he is all set to kick off his next major project - a $3-billion development in fabulous Negril, to be known as the Little Bay Country Club.

Quality products

Industry insiders and real-estate movers and shakers familiar with Selective Homes know that not only has he been consistent in delivering quality products to the market, he does so with aplomb. He gives value for money, as the many purchasers who bought into Long Mountain Country Club will attest. The value of their investment doubled within months after purchase.

His eco-friendly and conservationist approach to building seeks to incorporate and embrace the existing environment rather than destroy it. He uses the latest in green technology, making his developments among the most sought-after properties on the national market.

To introduce his latest venture, Cartade and his wife, socialite and former high-fashion model/designer, Carole Issa-Cartade, recently opened their swanky Golden Triangle residence and hosted a fab poolside reception.

The Cartades' residence boasts fabulous gardens, smack in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. The house is discreetly tucked away from prying eyes and piercing city noises, making it the perfect urban home. The wraparound veranda, pool deck and bar, speak to an olde worlde elegance, resulting in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere!

Real-estate industry insiders and bigwigs, as well as a number of leading socialites and power brokers, were in attendance. The Wayne Armond Aggregation provided a rich musical feast and premium cocktails flowed with the help of attentive staff. The menu was simply irresistible, and there was no escaping the sense of familial intimacy that was the very essence of the evening.

18-month schedule

The buzz was all about Little Bay Country Club, for which ground is expected to be broken in early 2010 with an 18-month scheduled completion date thereafter. With Negril being the favourite getaway for many, you know we are talking a red-hot development!

Guests out included: the very charming and lovely Jackie Issa, her sibling Paul Issa, their cousins, siblings Christopher and Andrew Issa; Chris and Michelle Bovell; Mrs Peggy Blades; Robert MacMillan; Earl and Beverly Levy; Anthony Jeanne Watson; Michael Campbell; Joy Mahfood; Juan 'Chickie' Machado; Howard and Elsie Lau; Norma Linton, QC; Greg Shirley; Peter and Margaret Jarvis; Anthony Gomes; Valerie Lattibeaudiere; Ryland Campbell; Earl Samuels; George and Debbie Cumming; Milverton Reynolds; Gary Stevens; John and Jennifer Ottway; Ian Wong; Edward Azan; Peter and Bonnie Morais; Paul Barbar; Colin Leslie; Nicholas Stephenson and Alicia Fredericks; Robert Stephenson; Nancy McLean; Alton E. Morgan; Andreas Oberli; Marcellus and Janet Brown; Avery Budhoo; Dale Dunkley; attorney Debbie Wilmot; Douglas Beckford; Douglas Wilson; Jennifer DeMornay and Franklin Williams.

We saw: the charming Lisa Lewis; Frederick Moe; Graham Bailey; Ted Samuels; the lovely Jacqui Nielssen; Andrew Todd; Lisa Lewis; Jerome Lee; John Shim; Karen Tempral; Keith Bishop; Leo Taddeo; Kevin Sunarth; Novelette Green; James Burrowes; the lovely Pauline Edie; Vaughn Morris; the UDC's Joy Douglas and Minister without Portfolio Daryl Vaz, plus a number of others.