Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Beryl Singh (second right) chairperson of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica (NCICJ) speaks with Prime Minister P.J. Patterson (left) and President of Guyana, Bharrat (Jagdeo centre) while Ambassador Madge Barrett looks on. They were at a reception at Club India on Lady Musgrave Road, St. Andrew, hosted by the NCICJ in honour of President Jagdeo.THE NATIONAL Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica (NCICJ) hosted a reception at Club India in honour of President of Guyana, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson who invited Jagdeo to Jamaica for the 40th Independence celebrations, had to leave early for a party meeting in Annotto Bay. However, he said he could not have missed the reception. He pointed out that the property which is now Club India, was the last home of National Hero, Marcus Garvey.
Mr. Patterson was very pleased that the NCICJ hosted such an event for President Jagdeo. He expressed "an appreciation for all that the Indian Community has done to ensure that Jamaica remains a society that is fully integrated and racially holistic". In jest, The Prime Minister reminded guests that "president Jagdeo had the Key to the City of Kingston and was not afraid to use it".
"I always enjoy coming to Jamaica, it's always a pleasure coming here," President Jagdeo said. He added that "Jamaicans are as warm as Guyanese. I find so much good here." He said there was a lot of creativity and entrepreneurship in Jamaica and assured guests that the country will succeed. He commented on some of the plans he has as president of CARICOM and said he was told in Parliament earlier that he has the support of Jamaica.
The President spoke about members of CARICOM being "A bit too insular in terms of government". He said it was time to move away from that sort of governance.
"I am extremely proud of my Indian heritage, but we are all Caribbean people. My history didn't start with the coming of the Indians, it started with the Amerindians, the settlers and the slaves that were taken forcibly from Africa."
Another special guest was World Heavyweight Champion, Lennox Lewis who turned up later casually dressed. He said he was thinking of retiring since there wasn't anyone left to fight, but he was keeping the fans guessing. Enid Bennett, one of the trustees in the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) was at the event representing Leader of the Opposition, Edward Seaga.
President Jagdeo, Lennox Lewis and the other guests were treated to a mix of Indian culture which featured song, dance and cuisine.
