Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Left: A solemn looking Claudio Valle, departing Canadian High Commissioner, accepts a gift from his diplomatic colleagues. Looking on are Fanny Pino (left) and the Cuban Ambassador Gisela Garcia. Right:
Louise Valle (left) and Lidia Amaral at the Diplomatic Corps' farewell dinner for Valle and her husband Claudio. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
You know you're well liked when everyone wants to throw you a going-away party.
Former High Commissioner of Canada Claudio Valle and wife Louise have returned to the great white north, but last Friday their diplomatic colleagues gave them a fine send-off hosted by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu at the newly renovated residence on Seaview Avenue.
Ambassador Zhao revealed that he (and wife Wang Xiaoju) con-sidered the Valles close friends, as they were posted in Canada three times and were posted to Jamaica about the same time. He joked that he would be exiting about a month after this and that even their respective residencies were close, making them neighbours! No wonder he hosted the event! Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Cedric Harper lauded High Commissioner Valle for the humble way he went about his duties, and his wife for complementing him with her work with CIDA and in the field of justice.
Commissioner's advise
High Commissioner Valle advised his colleagues to immerse themselves in the culture and geography of whatever country they're assigned. He stated that in his diplomatic dealings, he always tried to get both sides to benefit. He admitted that they had developed a special relationship with the island, and reiterated their love for the people.
Guests included Deputy British High Commissioner Paul Nicolopulo and wife Kareen; Colombian Ambassador Dr. Kent Francis and wife Cecelia; Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica Arnold Foote and wife Patricia; Head of the European Union delegation in Jamaica Ambassador Gerd Jarchow and wife Mara;
Honorary Consul to Thailand, Thalia Lyn and Capt. (ret.) Michael Lyn; Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner Yvonne Gittens-Josephs; Dominican Republic Ambassador Filomena Navarro; Cuban Ambassador Gisela Garcia; South African High Commissioner Faith Radebe and husband Jabu; Leo Taddeo and Antoinette Holman; Maria Freidrich-Boerger from the German Embassy; and Argentine Ambassador Jose Pino and wife Fanny.
