Tania Cohen (left) and Michelle Cooke were handing out fourth of July memorabilia during the celebrations of the United States' independence, on Wednesday.

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

New home, new address, but same good time on America's greatest day.

The United States embassy hosted the country's 4th of July celebration on Wednesday evening. Guests were shuttled to the venue after parking on the lawns of Jamaica College. They were then ushered on to the embassy grounds amid a sea of red, white and blue.

U.S. Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson started with words from the bedrock of her country's democracy, the Declaration of Independence. She opined that these it had remained an inspiration for all. She read a message from president George W. Bush, who lauded the founding fathers and asked for his countrymen to celebrate the liberty that maked the U.S. a light to other nations.

Replying for the Government, Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Anthony Hylton used the opportunity to celebrate the relationship between both nations, which has been buoyed by commitment to social justice and free enterprise.

Guests were treated to an all-American buffet at this celebration. It was just like a family barbecue in the backyard. Hoagies (submarine sandwiches) and good old hot dogs were on the menu and plenty of potables to quench the thirst. Being an early July evening in the tropics, as much liquid as possible was necessary as the temperature went up a few degrees with the large gathering. Harold Davis and band provided the musical treats and gave a fine mixture of American and Jamaican songs for guests to enjoy.

The event gave some guests the opportunity to see the new embassy for the first time. Guests who wanted to beat the heat outside took themselves into the air-conditioned atrium, which provided a cool environment and a quieter setting.

Out to celebrate were Dean of the diplomatic corps, Cedric Harper and wife, Barbara; Argentine Ambassador Jose Pino; Colombian Ambassador Dr. Ventura Emilio Diaz-Mejia; Brazilian Ambassador Cezar Amaral; French Ambassador Francis Hurtut; Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva; Ecuadorian Consul Clelia de Hunter; Tourism Minister Aloun Assamba; Dr. Andre Franklin; Howard Anderson; Allene Zanger; Drs. Laura and Dhiru Tanna; Anthony and Erin Chang; Anthony and Jeanne Watson; Aubyn and Tamara Hill; Ed and Rose Wehrli; Jim Cada; Thalia Lyn; Allison Peart; Richard and Diana Stewart and Paul Issa.

Left: Out and looking fab on the fourth of July are Kathryn Villeneuve (left) and Ingrid Thwaites. Right: Jullie LeVanda of Kingston Ice made sure she was dressed to beat the summer heat. - photos Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Left: It's great to see Marilyn Bennett (left) back on the social scene. Here, she chats with Joan Marie Powell (right) and Kareen Nicolopulo.

Champagne toasts all around! Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Anthony Hylton (left) toasts U.S. Independence with U.S. Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson (second left), Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall and wife, Mrs. Rheima Hall.

Dianne Williams (right), of American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica, shoots the breeze with Sanchia Henry, of Lestronics Limited. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer