By Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner WriterMY DEARS, last Tuesday was the first of July, and it being the first of July, made it Canada's National Day. And so it was, as is the custom the world over, Canadians gather to celebrate their national day with the light-hearted and good-natured spirit the international community has now come to appreciate of the Canadian people. Not that the Canadians are any less loyal than their showier neighbours, probably just a bit more cultured!
Anyway, on Tuesday last, it was all about Oh, Canada, and how, as indeed Kingston was in the throes of maple leaf and red and white fever as the invitations to join HE Canadian High Commissioner John Robinson, and his staffers at his official residence over there in the Golden Triangle, at a reception to mark Canada Day, were out, and the buzz was all about the reception as indeed, not only would guests be joining in celebrating Canada's Day, it would be in effect also a farewell party for High Commissioner Robinson and High Commission staffers Linda Munroe and Luc Frechette, whose tour of duty here, come to an end in August.
And so for many it would be a bitter, sweet, occasion. Well, it was, and then some! Oh Canada! Oh Canada! Oh, My Luvs, it was a tsunami of fabulousness and beyond!
Now, y'all know that there are diplomats and then there are Diplomats! Well, High Commissioner Robinson is the diplomats Diplomat! Arriving here in Kingston just over three or so years ago, this was High Commissioner Robinson's second diplomatic stint in Jamaica, having served here some near 20 years earlier as his country's First Secretary.
DOUBLE TOUR OF DUTY
And so, blessed with a double tour of duty here, High Commissioner Robinson was afforded the coveted opportunity not only to serve in this here fair isle, he was also presented with the opportunity to forge long-standing friendships and bonds with the people of his host country. A position that would serve the career diplomat well as he sought to promote a new awareness of trading opportunities, cultural understanding and educational and technical co-operation between the people of Jamaica and Canada.
And so it was daahlings that last Tuesday's Canada Day reception was like unto a gala affair, a command performance even, with all the trappings of the majesty of pomp and circumstance, but minus the airs or self-importance. It made for a simple relaxed and oh so marvellously grand a do, it was flawless!
PARTIED THE EVENING AWAY
Dovecakes, it rained fabulousness from the get-go and way into the night as guests simply partied the evening away, way into the night, as if fearing letting go off fabulously good society and or the dread of letting High Commissioner Robinson go into his retirement in his homeland.
And then there were the 'names'! Sweethearts, every-which way one looked, there were names! And we are not talking the employee class here, naturally they too were represented, but by and large this was haute-society roll call, with the all-powerful and mighty all presented and accounted for! It made for a dazzling display of fabdom! Oh, for my word, what a swelleganza! Indeed, it was the diplomatic affair of the season and then some!
Babydolls, we are talking faultless here, and like everybody's business as the affair was a definite Ten on the social Richter scale the highest magnitude being a ten!
Among those out sharing felicitations over libations, included: Custos of Kingston Cannon Weeville Gordon; the Hon. Maurice Facey and Valerie; the Hon John Issa and his daughter Muna Issa; Albert and Su Nakash, with son Chris Nakash; Roy and Sylvia Collister; Robert MacMillan; Chief Justice Lensley Wolfe; Senator Bruce Golding and wife Lorna; Minister Danny Buchanan; Minister Horace Dalley; Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinaire of the Russian Federation HE Edward Malayan; German Ambassador HE Dr. Christian Hausman and wife Mrs. Harriet Huber; Spanish Ambassador HE Raphael Jover and his elegant wife Lola Jover; DCM of the American Embassy Richard Smyth and his wife Janice; Ambassador Professor Don Mills; Yvon Desulme; glamour maven Carole Issa-Cartade; Capt. Mike and Thalia Lyn; Drs. Dhiru and Laura Tanna; Le Grand Dame of Haute Couture Ruby Martin; the serenely elegant Gloria Moodie; Charles and Corina Meeks; the charmingly lovely Jennifer Lim; Paul and Oriente Issa; George Fatta; William Chin See; Drs. Richard and Carloyn Gomes; Rear Admiral Peter Brady and wife Carol; Col. Trevor MacMillan and wife the elegant Dr. Peaches McDonald; Col. John Simmonds; E.G. Hunter; Carman Hudson; Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Robinson; Janet Farrow and daughter Gabriella; Timothy Miller; and the charming Jean Jones.
But what a fabulous night! Indeed, it was a most fitting way to bid High Commissioner Robinson and his departing colleagues a fond adieu!
