Ae-Sil Woo (left) and her sisters Seong-Sil Woo (centre) and Young-Sil Woo enjoying the Republic of Korea 60th anniversary reception, held at Oak Ridge Road, Stony Hill, last Monday.
SIXTY YEARS ago World War II ended and a nation's greatest day began to dawn. August 15 is celebrated by Koreans as the day they started pulling away from Japanese rule, when the latter surrendered to the allies. So 60 years later, the Koreans are still going strong; and their relationship with Jamaica will do the same.
This was an evening for double celebrations as the Korean Embassy, which was closed seven years ago, is now back open. Charges d'Affaires Dr. Oh Kichull likened the closure to the biblical seven years of famine, but hoped that the reopening would signal renewed prosperity.
"Jamaica is one of the first embassies they have reopened. So now we can keep the relationship and the bilateral arrangements; keep them beneficial and very fruitful," declared Honorary Consul Yvon DeSulme. When the embassy in Jamaica closed seven years ago, it was one of over 15 worldwide. However, the Government of Korea still maintained links to Jamaica appointing Mr. DeSulme almost immediately after that. Now it's reopening, he is indeed a happy man.
So Dr. Oh opened his Oak Ridge, Constant Spring residence to members of the diplomatic and consular corps for a reception to celebrate the occasions. With an awesome view of Kingston below, the air was alive with the smell of Asian cooking and guests eagerly tried the dishes being offered. Musical entertainment was provided by the Jamaica Military Band.
Among the guests were Ambassador Douglas Saunders; Argentine Ambassador Gonzalo Fernandez and wife Ines; Colombian Ambassador Dr. Kent Francis; Anthony Hylton; Danielle DeSulme; Belgian Ambassador Herman Portocarero; Myrtle DeSulme and Delroy Chuck and wife Pat.
