Former San Fernando Mayor, Ian Atherly, celebrated his 57th birthday and his appointment as chairman of Plipdeco with selected friends at City Hall, San Fernando, on July 16.
Atherly spelled out that his guests were the ones who stood with him through the rough years, after his tenure as mayor of San Fernando ended prematurely.
"I want to publicly thank you for your love and concern," Atherly told his guests, among them Senator Penny Beckles-Robinson and her husband, Noel, former commissioner of police now TSTT chairman, Everald Snaggs and his wife Gwendolyn, Magistrate Lucina Cardenas-Ragoonanan and husband Harry, and Plipdeco president Ashley Taylor.
The night was full of picong and laughter, which was started by Atherly's wife Marie Louise, when she disclosed the growth of her husband, except in certain areas.
Atherly is a former supporter of the People's National Movement (PNM), who has now pledged support for the People's Partnership government, and supporters from both sides of the divide were present, so politics was uppermost on everyone's minds.
It was no surprise, therefore, when Atherly's sister Karen, dressed in a yellow dress and red shoes, prompted political commentary from Master of Ceremonies Terrence Beepath, as he invited her to bring greetings.
"I notice the yellow (colour of the UNC) on top and red (PNM's colour) on the bottom, but we will rise," Beepath, a member of the PNM, said to rousing laughter.
"The colour of my dress is no reflection of my political persuasion," Karen retorted, as she wished her brother success in his undertaking.
Atherly's former boss at Clico, Claude Mosahib Ali, described him as a loveable rascal, who always got into mischief which they had to resolve.
Nevertheless, Mosahib Ali added, he was a good producer, hard worker, good manager and expressed little doubt that he would apply that same passion in his chairmanship.
Atherly's long-standing friend, Dr Tony Elias, said he had lots of stories to tell, but opted instead to thank those who had given Atherly the opportunity to serve his country once more.
Senator Beckles also joined in celebrating the two milestones. Beckles said she was there, like so many others, because she was his friend.
"We are your friends and we understand that life does not always deal the cards you wish, but certainly if you are dealt those cards you play them to the best of your ability.
"As you go into your new job as chairman we wish you all the best in your undertaking, do it to the best of your ability and be assured that you have our support."
