- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE/PHOTOGRAPHER
Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips (right), and wife Sandra joke with Deputy British High Commissioner Phil Sinkinson at the commission's annual charity ball, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Friday, January 7.Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer
AFTER SOME four years here, Deputy Chief of Mission, Deputy British High Commissioner Phil Sinkinson and his lovely wife Clare Sinkinson departed two Tuesdays ago, signalling the end of their tour of duty here. Upon reflection, it was a very positive tour of duty that impacted positively on British-Jamaican relations, with Jamaica being the beneficiary of this intervention.
Their departure was a sad development, as Jamaica has lost a friend and supporter who understood the problems besetting emerging states such as ours. He was an advocate constantly seeking ways to assist with forging positive links.
Speculation is rife, however, that the developing world will continue to benefit from his understanding and advocacy, as his new posting will see him moving to Africa. And so, while we mourn our loss, we toast Africa's gain.
DANCED TO THE RHYTHM
If you never met Phil Sinkinson, you missed a treat, as here was a diplomat who not only took time to enjoy the music, he also danced to the rhythm, and then some.
A career diplomat, who served in 11 countries across the globe, Phil Sinkinson and wife are truly world citizens, who embraced the people and cultures their stint in the British Foreign service afforded them the privilege of serving. Not only have they become knowledgeable about their posts, they understand that emerging states are works in progress and, as such, are deserving of partnerships with First World countries.
While here, they were good company, a rather charming couple who were completely at ease with themselves, and consequently with others. And, above all else, they had a sense of empathy and the capacity to engage.
SOCIAL STAPLES
No surprise that after their tour of duty, which saw them serving with two high commissioners, the Sinkinsons were social staples along the corridors of the capital's social, financial and political potentates, and equally at home in the city's underbelly. And so there were many parties in the upper social echelons of society and within the ranks of the diplomatic and consular corps.
The ultimate farewell do, however, was hosted by HE The British High Commissioner Jeremy Creswell, and his German companion, the charmingly lovely Dr. Barbara Munske, on the lawns of their official residence, Trafalgar House on Trafalgar Road in New Kingston.
WELCOME RECEPTION
In actuality, it was the story of the party in two parts, as while many were gathered to say their final farewells to the Sinkinsons, the party was also a welcome reception for Phil Sinkinson's successor, the new Deputy British High Commissioner Paul Nicolopulo and his Jamaican-bred wife, Kareen Nicolopulo. Dovecakes, it made for one very interesting outing, a mixed bag of emotions as it was somewhat odd to be lauding outgoing Deputy High Commissioner and in the same breath be welcoming his successor.
With the High Commissioner Creswell, his companion, the Deputy High Commissioner and his wife and the incoming deputy and his wife (in that order) making up the reception line, guests were warmly Yes, it was that kind of a party a bit of merrymaking, touched with a heavy tinge of sadness. We are talking a marvellously swellegant outing here, faultlessly laid-back and society that those who hob would die to nob with! And with a battery of wait staff making sure a drink or something on which to nibble was always close by.Speeches were not planned, but it was the kind of occasion that would not have been complete without a word from the host, and another from his outgoing deputy. And these word were delivered in the finest of spirits, adding to the sense of camaraderie that punctuated the affair. The High Commissioner was in fine form and DHC Sinkinson was in a reflective but somewhat upbeat mood.
Those out included: National Security Minister the Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips and his wife Sandra Minott-Phillips; his Opposition Shadow Spokesman MP Derrick Smith; Information Minister Hon. Burchell and Joline Whiteman, her mom, Mrs. Joline Davies, also out; Lady Patricia Golding; regional conglomateur Hon. Desmond and Peggy Blades; insurance industry giant, the Hon. Dennis and Diane Lalor; Joe Matalon and companion Bernadette McKinley-Morin; Ronald and Barbara Sasso; Derrick A. Gibson; Ambassador Derrick Heaven; Ambassador Douglas Saunders; Ambassador Peter King; Ambassador Madge Barrett; Ambassador Maxine Roberts; 'A-Crowder' Robert MacMillan; Premier socialites Anthony and Jeanne Watson; Richard and Diana Stewart; Le Grande Dame Thalia Lyn; Laurie and Hope Stewart ; Cliff Stone and his lovely wife Joan; businessman Chris Nakash, squiring his sister-in-law, the lovely Muna Issa.
Also out were: Head of the EU Delegation HE Ambassador Gerd and Mara Jarchow; French Ambassador HE Francis Hurtut; Spanish Ambassador HE Jesus Silva; Indian High Commissioner HE Kailash Agnawal; Acting Head US Mission, Charge d'affaires Cliff Tighe and wife Dr. Luisa Tighe; head of the Seabed Authority HE Ambassador Satya Nandan; Deputy Canadian High Commissioner Brian and Janice Burton; Charge d'affaires of the Korean Embassy Dr. Kichull Oh and wife Dr. Kyung Ja Lee; Third Secretary British High Commission Mark Waller; Herman McLarty and wife Dorothy Pine-McLarty; Mike and Peggy Fennell; Charley and Lisa Johnston; Mrs. Pat Francis; Drs. Richard and Carolyn Gomes; Professor and Mrs. Graham Serjeant; Drs. Dhiru and Laura Tanna; Roy and Sylvia Collister, their son Keith Collister, also out; George Fatta; Col. Trevor McMillan and wife Dr. Peaches McDonald; Stuart and Yvonne Fisher; Horace and Josephine Bogues; Morin Seymour; the beautiful Mrs. Tamara Hill; Capt Michael Feanny and wife the charming Annemarie Feanny; Capt. David McRae; Virginia Burke; BNS's Barrington Chisholm; Anthony Chang; Novia McDonald-Whyte; Tal Stokes; Jonathan Weymss-Gorman; DCP Mark Shields; Major Chris Lobban; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cassons.
Dears, it was a fine way to say bon voyage to the Sinkinsons, and to welcome the Nicolopulos.
