Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago celebrated its 45th year of independence last Friday. The High Commissioner, Her Excellency Yvonne Gittens-Joseph, told those gathered to celebrate the occasion, as both countries share a strong bond, with their independence dates coming within a week of each other.

At the reception, which was held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Mrs. Gittens-Joseph said to show the commitment to Jamaica, a collection of $27,000 which was taken at the Inter-Faith Service as part of the independence celebrations would be given to local charities. She pointed out that in our neediest times, after most recent natural disasters, hurricanes 'Ivan' and 'Dean', they have given not only monetary support but Prime Minister Patrick Manning even paid a visit to the island after Hurricane Ivan.

Guest partied like only Trinis do. They indulged in Trinidadian cuisine while members ofthe University of the West Indies Panoridim Steel Orchestra provided rhythms from the pan.

Guests included: The Most Honourable Professor Kenneth Hall and Mrs. Rheima Holding-Hall, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Victor Zotin, Ray Campbell, Miriam Maluwa, Jacqui Nielssen, Heather Blanco and Marcia Gallow, among others.

High Commissioner of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Yvonne Gittens-Joseph, speaks with Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva.

All smiles: Meera Forrester, Kelly Forrester and Afiya Francis enjoy the ambience at a reception celebrating Trinidad and Tobago's 45th independence anniversary.