Venezuela celebrates 190 years of Independence

Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke (centre), clinked glasses with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Paul Robertson and Ambassador of Venezuela, Rocio Maneiro, at Venezuela's 190th Anniversary of Independence celebration. - Winston Sill

HER SOFT captivating voice echoed over the microphone and compelled guests into silence as she stood under the gazebo of her Jack's Hill residence. It was the celebration of the 190th anniversary of Venezuela's Independence and Ambassador of Venezuela, Rocio Maneiro was offering the warmest of welcome, last Thursday .

Early last week Ambassador Maneiro had participated in a ceremony which marked the re-opening of the Bolivar Park at Heroes Circle, Kingston. She regarded it as a sign of the renewed relationship between Jamaica and her homeland.

Simon Bolivar, the liberator, she said, "found time, shelter, peace and friendship when he came to Jamaica." Ambassador Maneiro declared the reception as the celebration of Venezuela and Jamaica and said both countries were united by a rich history. She shared her joy in the reopening of the park and the strengthening of bilateral relationship between Jamaica and Venezuela.

"Let us celebrate!" She declared. And they did. The Jamaica Regiment Band played excellently and guests milled around the pool and the bar next to the pool refreshed many. On the lush lawns was a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables, choice cuts of meats and shrimp. The lines were short, but the shrimps disappeared quickly.

Members of the academic and business fraternities were present to partake in the festivities. Venezuelan nationals, neighbouring Latin American nationals and friends supported the function.

Present were Ambassador of Spain, Fernando de la Serna and wife, Belen; Ambassador of Peru, Humberto Urteaga; Minister Consul of Honduras, Carlos Matute Rivera; Vice-Consul of the Dominican Republic, Carlos Fernandez; Dr. Olive Lewin; Clifton Yap; Anthony Chang; Yousef Warwar; Oscar Gonzales; Dr. Matthew Beaubrun and David Coore.

- Sonia Morgan

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