Donald and Deta Brooks share a kiss at her surprise 60th-birthday party.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Friends, church and family members gathered at the Jamaica Grandiosa Hotel in Montego Bay last Friday evening to throw a surprise 60th-birthday party for Deta Brooks.

Deta and her husband Donald are owners of the Relax Resort Hotel, located on Hobbs Avenue in Montego Bay. They have been married for more than 30 years. The union has produced one child.

The party was skilfully orchestrated by a few close friends and relatives and it was Donald's job to keep Deta in the dark at all times and at all costs. Even when she became suspicious, Donald had to creatively eliminate that from her mind.

As guests awaited the couple's arrival, they engaged in chit-chat by the poolside. Donald's niece, Sharon Kerr, called him every few minutes to check how close they were.

grand arrival

About 8 p.m., the couple arrived. Cameras flashed and videographer Hugh Clarke started rolling his camera, as the Brooks strutted up the stairs.

"I smelled a rat. I knew you were up to something," said Deta, with a half smile on her face. As they got closer to the hall, bartender Devon Barclay offered them a welcome drink. Deta was still in the dark.

Donald guided her down the stairs and swung the door open so she could enter the hall. The lights were flicked on and everybody shouted, "SURPRISE!" Arms akimbo, she took a deep breath and exhaled heavily, "Ah!" while remaining calm.

"I told her we were invited to a small hoteliers' event and since we own a small property, it was appropriate for us to go," Donald told The Gleaner. That's how he got her out.

The real surprise was yet to come. Deta had returned from Canada only two days earlier where she spent time with her granddaughter Natalie Brooks and other relatives. When she saw them at the event, she almost fainted. She took Natalie and as she walked across the hall greeting relatives and friends, she repeatedly kissed her on the cheek.

Donald Brooks spends a moment with Evadney Haugh-ton, a church sister, during his wife Deta's 60th birthday party. - Photo by Noel Thompson

Deta Brooks (left) gets ready to cuddle her granddaughter Natalie Brooks, while Talsey Malcolm, her sister-in-law residing in Canada, looks on with a smile.

Donald and Deta Brooks share a kiss at her surprise 60th-birthday party.

Donald and Deta Brooks arrive at the Grandiosa Hotel at Ramparts Close in Montego Bay for Deta's surprise 60th-birthday party.

Deta Brooks (right) greets Cordell Thompson, a family friend from The Bahamas, at her surprise birthday party. Looking on at centre is Carlene Wright, Deta's niece.

Lusan Brooks hugs his sister-in-law, Deta Brooks.