The new United States consul general, David Stone (left), and wife, Eileen (right), with Mailin Betancourt-Lolo, financial controller at Copa Airlines and Dr Reinaldo Pino-Bestard.

A week after the new United States consul general, David Stone, arrived on the island, there was an intimate welcome reception held for him at the residence reserved for the ambassador along Stony Hill road.

On September 30, the consul general and his wife, Eileen, greeted guests from the private and public sectors as they came out to offer him their support and best wishes for his tenure.

In a very short greeting, Consul General Stone said he was overjoyed to be in Jamaica and felt as if he were in an enchanted paradise. He has 24 years of service under his belt, and has served in countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Kenya, and Trinidad and Tobago. He said he always wanted to come to Jamaica but, "they saved the best for last".

The night was quite informal and guests enjoyed glasses of wine and great hors d'oeuvres as they got familiar with the new consul general.

Vice consul at the United States Embassy, Victoria Nibarger (centre), and Steve Brault (right) shares a few laughs with Hermon LaMont of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Terrence Sancko (centre) and Gillian Smith (right) enjoy a drink with Dr Judith Mowatt.- photos by Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore

Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewellyn (left) and Dr Judith Mowatt took time out of their busy schedules to welcome the new consul general.

Caribbean Manager of DHL Patrick Frith and Melissa Bishop of the Consul Department of the United States Embassy.