Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer
Professor Gordon Shirley (left) has words of encouragement for ambassador- designate to the United States, Anthony Johnson, at a send-off dinner hosted for him by Senator Oswald Harding and his wife, Marigold, at their Jack's Hill home on Thursday night. In the background is Ishmael Robertson.

Last Thursday night saw an intimate gathering of friends at the Jack's Hill residence of Senator Oswald Harding and his wife, Marigold, saying farewell to Jamaica's ambassador-designate to the United States of America, Anthony Johnson, and wife Patricia.

With soothing music in the background, conversation centred around local and international topical issues. But it was the four-course meal and finale expertly prepared by Colin Hylton of Guilt Trip that took everyone's palate on an exciting journey.

Toasts and good wishes were led by host Senator Harding with Ambassador LaGrange Johnson, Delroy Chuck, Professor Shirley and Mrs. Harding followed by a reply of gratitude from the special guest.

Present were United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson and husband Howard Johnson; ambassador-designate Anthony Johnson and wife Patricia, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Herman Portocarero, Head of the European Union Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni and wife Fiela, Professor Gordon Shirley, Speaker of the House Delroy Chuck and wife Pat, Neville and Nancy James, Ishmael and Hermenia Robertson, Zachary and Tamara Harding.