By Daviot Kelly, Staff ReporterOUR FRIENDLY neighbours from North America welcomed all and sundry to the High Commissioner's residence on Seymour Avenue last week Thursday to celebrate Canada Day.
Being a Canadian affair, there was a red and white theme as expected. Too bad red and white are two of the colours not in my wardrobe; so I felt a little out of place. Those ladies who sported no red dresses (perhaps thought it was too elegant for the more casual affair) were decked in red pant suits, white blouses and red shoes to match. The gents weren't to be outdone as they wore red ties, red and white stripes and even red cumberbands.
Originally called Dominion Day until 1982, this year marks the 137th birthday of the great nation. As expected, members of the Government, opposition, private sector and socialites graced the lawns and poolside of the beautiful house. All the senses were tested last Thursday night. A large projector scene gave us breathtaking views of Canada while the Maurice Gordon band gave a good performance. They delivered a wide variety of hits: from the bumpy Big Yellow Taxi to more soothing tones like You're Still The One.
SWEET TREATS
As for the taste buds, well, whether it was the smoked marlin, shrimp, the delightful quiches on offer, callaloo patties and an assortment of cheeses, I hope everyone found something they liked. Nothing for the sweet tooth? Ah, au contraire! Guests who arrived early would have realised that there was one table which was covered, hiding (as we later discovered) some devilishly divine sweet treats, including a cake bearing the design of the Canadian flag.
The summer is definitely upon us and the heat was really on, especially as the gathering got larger. So some guests opted for the poolside and the coolness provided by the fans of the gazebo. Both sides of Seymour Avenue were lined with cars, an indication of the bumper crowd that came out to share with High Commissioner Claudio Valle and wife, Louise. Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke was full of praise for Canada and its continued good relations to Jamaica. There was no hesitation from persons to raise their glasses for a toast.
Among those who showed up were: Commissioner of Corrections Major Richard Reese; Ambassador Gladstone Mills; Col. Trevor MacMillan; Honorary Consul to Korea Yvon Desulme and wife, Cynthia; Tom Tavares-Finson and wife, Rose; Minister of Information Burchell Whiteman; President of the PSOJ Bev Lopez; Wyvolyn Gager; Nigerian High Commissioner Chief Olufolajimi Modupe Akintola; Ambassador Madge Barrett; Trinidadian High Commissioner Dennis Francis; Chilean Ambassador Alfonso Silva; U.S. Ambassador Sue Cobb; British High Commssioner Peter Mathers, wife Elisabeth and daughter Philippa; Honduran Ambassador Carlos Matute; Indian High Commissioner Inder Vir Chopra and wife, Nanita; Oleg Bikmametov of the Russian Embassy; St. Kitts High Commissioner Cedric Harper and wife, Barbara; Colombian Ambassador Dr. Kent Francis; Taynia Nethersole; Honorary Consul General of Switzerland, Peter Bangerter; Ambassador Matthew Beaubrun; Spanish Ambassador Rafael Jover and wife, Maria; Cuban Ambassador Jose Piedra and wife, Mercedes; Gloria Palomino; German Ambassador Dr. Christian Hausmann and wife, Harriet; Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu and wife, Wang Xiaoju; Senator Anthony Johnson; Jennifer Lim; Town Clerk Errol Greene; Mayor of Portmore George Lee and wife, Aneita; Drs. Laura and Dhiru Tanna; Dean of the Consular Corps, Arnold Foote and wife, Patricia; Dr. Bernard Benjamin and wife, Andrea; Honorary Consul to Sweden Derek Jones; Honorary Consul to Lithuania Lois Lake-Sherwood; Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and wife, Captain Tessa Lewin; Director-General of the Maritime Authority, Rear Admiral Peter Brady and Senator Dwight Nelson.
