Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Minister of Information Burchell Whiteman (left) has the attention of British High Commissioner Peter Mathers (centre) and German Ambassador Dr. Christian Hausmann. Head of the European Union delegation, Gerd Jarchow, hosted a reception on Hyperion Avenue, Jacks Hill, St. Andrew, last Monday. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
ON MAY 9, the world celebrated the end of one of history's bloodiest events.
But for Europeans, it was not only the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, it was also the 55th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. French Foreign Minister in 1950, Robert Schuman, issued the now-famous declaration which paved the way for what we now know as the European Union (EU). Europeans in Jamaica celebrated both occasions with a reception at the home of delegation head Gerd Jarchow.
MADE SPECIAL
To make the celebration three times as special, 2005 makes it 30 years of the EU's partnership with Jamaica. Jarchow vowed that his organisation would continue in the ideologies it was built on: facilitating solidarity, security and prosperity. He and Minister of Information Burchell Whiteman toasted the continued link with the EU and its Caribbean neighbour.
There are 25 members in the EU and the flags of every one of them lined the stairs and tents that were set up. Infor-mation on the EU and the latest happenings were also available for the curious reader.
To help celebrate the special occasions, there were three groups of entertainers to provide musical enjoyment. Musica Xaymaca, directed by Peter Ashbourne and Rosina Moder, played European classics. But these veteran performers, then made way for young musicians in their final year at the Edna Manley College. And to complete the musical experience, the Wide Grin Quartet, another group of young musicians also performed.
