Prime Minister P.J. Patterson seems like the happy thorn caught between two roses Evelyn Andion (left), the Mexican ambassador's wife; and Cecilia Francis, The Colombian ambassador's wife at the reception he hosted for visiting Chinese Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and his delegation, at Jamaica House on Wednesday. -Winston Sill photoBarbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
ON WEDNESDAY, February 3, the grounds of Jamaica House, St. Andrew, took on an oriental flavour as Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and the Government of Jamaica,
assembled over 1,500 guests from all walks of life to fête and fellowship with the visiting Chinese delegation, headed by Vice-President Zeng Qinghong.
The distinct aroma of Chinese cuisine, desserts and beverages blended with a smorgasbord of of our best musicans and dancers, who entertained an appreciative audience. And it seemed like everyone (women in particular), went out of their way to make the visitors feel at home, as evidenced by the wardrobe choices.
Many stopped to gaze at the huge tree festooned with Chinese lanterns in all shapes and sizes that was the perfect backdrop for the catering staff and ushers clad in red Chinese-inspired jackets. The chefs drawn from hotels in Kingston and rural parishes,
as well as a popular Chinese Kingston-based restaurants,
certainly impressed all with their scrumptious fare.
But, one could not help but notice that it was business as usual for some of the delegates
from the Orient, who were
busy on cellular phones, hand-held computers and at least
one laptop in the midst of the festivities.
