By Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter I WAS a little surprised to learn that the Consular Corps of Jamaica is 55 years old, yet this was only their third annual banquet.
But it's catching on quite well by the look of things. Ironic that a suite called Les Ambassadeurs should host the Consular Corps as those individuals work closely with ambassadors and have to act as ambassadors in countries where they have no embassies.
Unlike some groups that seem allergic to starting on time, the Corps ran their programme efficiently. Wayne Armond and Warm and Easy strummed some of the old-time favourites while guests sat down to a warm dinner. But before long, he brought in a double singing surprise. Noella Eldridge and the dreadlocked Dwight Richards took the microphone to deliver their usual lovely repertoires. Dwight is the real deal on the trumpet as well, (no Miles Davis but more than acceptable).
Guest speaker was the first citizen himself, His Excellency Sir Howard Cooke who was accompanied by his wife of 61 years, Lady Cooke. In his eloquent style, he lauded the Corps for its work with the needy and elderly. He gave personal congratulations to Dean of the Corps, Arnold Foote, for being re-elected, unopposed no less, and for being elected to the Executive Council of the International Federation of Consuls.
The Corps also decided to give something other than food and conversation. It presented four Awards of Excellence. The recipients were: Air Jamaica, Acting Ambassador of Peru, Oscar Gonzalez, (who was a crowd favourite judging by the whoops that went up when his name was mentioned); Vice Dean Grantley Stephenson (the smart chap who started the banquets) and the Gleaner Company Ltd. The Gleaner's award was received by Advertising and Marketing Manager, Yvonne Senior, herself a consul to Senegal.
