It seems like it would be an understatement to describe merely as "gala" the event at Fairmount Southampton Princess honouring the about-to-retire Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and his wife Wanda.

We thought it was "socially stupendous", one of those eat, drink and be merry occasions more often read about as opposed being experienced. Entertainment-wise it was an extravaganza.

Bermuda's Toni Robinson got things started with an unusual invocation, a soul-stirring rendition of "How Great Thou Art"; and building to a grand climax with Bermuda's Natural Resource Gene Steede with his "I Did it My Way", and the featured performer the legendary Gladys Knight fulfilling her promise of: "We're Gonna Have a Funky Good Time".

In addition to being a fabulous farewell salute to Premier Brown and his wife, it was also a fundraiser for the Progressive Labour Party of which he is leader. Party chairman Anthony Santucci extended sincere appreciation from the party to many Platinum sponsors and "in kind" donors

Following some "whet your appetite humour" by the one-and-only "Bootsie" came the 'just what the doctor ordered dinner.

Jazz pianist James Richardson provided the background music for the six-course $500-dollar-a-plate rendering. It was as palatable for the gourmets and imbibers who could metabolize it, as it was for the big movers and shakers who afforded the $25,000 Platinum package for the entire weekend gala events. Their dessert, by the way was a Trio of Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Molten Cake and Apple Tart.

Two Masters-of-Ceremonies were required to keep the programme upbeat. They were Radio Hott 107.5 broadcaster turned Cabinet Minister Glenn Blakeney and Music Festival producer Rock Newman, a long time friend of Dr. Brown.

Newman said he was a country boy when he entered Howard University in 1970 and heard for the first time on campus of the legend of Ewart Brown. They have been friends since that time. Other Howard Alumni from abroad also voiced their tributes.

Beaming Bermudian entertainer McCartney Darrell, reportedly four months pregnant, back home from her stellar performances in Los Angeles got a standing ovation for her tribute in song to Dr. Brown and wife. American TV and film actress Tisha Cambell-Martin made her presence felt, while TV celebrity Star Jones teamed with Pauletta Washington and Lynn Whitfield rendering a poetic tribute from "First Lady Wanda" the Premier.

Dr. Brown himself was the star of a movie titled "Prescribing for a Nation". In it he elaborates on his dreams and hopes for a new Bermuda while a host of other individuals here and abroad give their plaudits for his efforts. Incidentally, this writer has a cameo bit in the film, not so much to comment on his successes or otherwise; but rather to state that if anyone knew his parents, Helene Darrell Brown and D.A. Brown like I did personally, they would know that Ewart Brown could not help being who and what he is.

The full text of Dr. Brown's "thank you" speech at the gala appeared in Monday's Royal Gazette along with dramatic photos by Glenn Tucker.