Evelien Van Haecke (left) and Geert Lebbe enjoy each other's company at the Belgian ambassador's cocktail reception, held at his residence on Wednesday.

Cool temperatures greeted guests out on Wednesday at the Millsborough, St Andrew home of Belgian Ambassador Frederic Meurice, who opened up his residence to host a cocktail reception. This was in acknowledgement of the country's successful economic trade mission to Jamaica.

Guests, including diplomatic personnel and business associates, turned out to the reception which was also part farewell for 13 Belgians who will be leaving the island after fully completing their duties in assisting with the development of the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre. The Belgian High Commission also used the moment to express gratitude to the Jamaican Government.

Poolside lyming

Upon entry, Ambassador Meurice greeted and officially welcomed everyone; he then directed them to the poolside. This was where all the lyming and laughter took place over sips of drinks and bites on finger delicacies. The soothing background music, a selection of folk tunes, was just enough to facilitate fine conversation.

Guests out for the evening included: Minister of Transport Mike Henry, Permanent Secretary in the Transport Ministry, Alwin Hales, Lachu Ramchandani, Robert MacMillan, Robert Gregory, Ambassador Stewart Stephenson, Wayne Chen and Ruth Potopsingh.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com.

It was a family night out for Volvo sales engineer Rennie Wellington and his daughters Sasha (left) and Tiffany.

Ibrahim Ajagunna (left) engages Ruth Potopsingh in what appears to be a light-hearted conversation at Wednesday's cocktail reception, hosted by Belgian Ambassador Frederic Meurice at his home. - photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Certainly a lovely family photo of Belgian Ambassador Frederic Meurice and wife Lydie, with their two energetic boys, Alexis (left) and Lucas. The family played host of the night as they opened up their home to guests at their cocktail reception.

It must have have been a funny joke to have Damion Lyn (centre), Marlene Virgo (left) and Joan Lyn laughing so much at the Belgian ambassador's cocktail reception.