Outgoing counsellor in the French embassy Jerome Dubois-Morcent (left), says a few words at the farewell reception held for him by colleague Serge Casseri (right). - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer BARELY A week after the well-loved and popular ambassador Pierre-Antoine Berniard and his wife Luisa ended their tour of duty, another member of the French diplomatic family is bidding his farewell. Counselor for Cooperative and Cultural Affairs, Jerome Dubois-Morcent ends a four-year stint in the island and will return to France.
So, to give him a little farewell, First Counselor, Serge Casseri threw a small reception for him on the embassy grounds on Monday. The small gathering fitted quite nicely into the Duperly Room, a small sitting area just perfect for a reception. Casseri thanked his colleague for his hard work, especially at times when he didn't have all the resources he would have liked. Dubois, in an equally short reply, declared that Jamaica will always be in his heart and was delighted that he was going home with "two little Jamaicans" as his children were born here.
Now, Mr. Casseri will have his hands full because Patrick Lapouze has also said "Adieu", "So long", "Adios" to Jamaica. So Casseri will have to play the role of Counselor and acting ambassador until the replacements arrive. The new ambassador should touch Jamaican soil by October.
There was no fireworks display, or any free-flowing champagne as one is accustomed to with the French. No, this was a more sombre, family affair for a good friend who was saying goodbye. Good travel monsieur Dubois, and good luck monsieur Casseri. Sighted among the gathering were Professor Barry Chevannes, Dr. John Rapley, Deputy Representative of the UNFPA, Casper Peek, Tanya Hoshue, Director of UNESCO's Caribbean office, Helene-Marie Gosselin, Ambassador Dr. Matthew Beaubrun, Wilton Dyer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Melanie Bailey. - Daviot Kelly
