Thursday, April 23, saw the ladies of the 73-year-old International Women's Club out at lunch for several good causes. The venue was the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston and the company included guest speaker, Denis Kingsley, Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica.

The august gathering of women included Lorna Golding, wife of Prime Minister Bruce Golding. She had to make an early departure, no doubt to lend some support to hubby at the opening of the Budget Debate. Also present were The Most Honourable Patricia Allen, wife of the governor general, and her predecessor, Lady Hall, wife of Sir Kenneth.

In his opening remarks, Kingsley added his share of kudos to the great job done by the security forces on Monday to put a peaceful end to the attempted hijacking in Montego Bay, St James. He spoke about the role of the multiculturalism of the Canadian society and drew similarities with Jamaica.

History between two countries

Kingsley praised the work of the club and and spoke of the shared history between Canada and Jamaica.

Kingsley highlighted some of the people-to-people linkages and ties involving agriculture, sports, music, business, bobsled, Miss Lou, Donnovan Bailey and Caribana. "We value these relationships and want to see them grow," he said.

There were craft, clothing and jewellery items on sale with the proceeds going to the charities of the non-profit organisation. Charities benefitting include the Wortley Home for girls, Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, National Children's Home, the Salvation Army, Majesty Gardens among others. The club also operates a home for the aged at 2 Gladstone Drive in St Andrew and they are funded by the events they organise and generosity of members.

From left: Ecuadorian Consul, Clelia Barietto de Hunter; South African High Commissioner, Faith D'Radebe; and Nafissatou Diagne, Senegalese Ambassador to Jamaica; try on hats on sale at the lunch.

From left: Eileen Lincoln, Deborah Oyedele and Barbara McGaw pose for the social pages after lunch.

Lady Hall and Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley find something interesting to talk about at the International Women's Club lunch.

Michelle Bovelle (left) and her sister Eleanor Thompson sport bold colours for their lunch date.