( LEFT )All glasses are raised to celebrate the People's Republic of China's National Day. Saluting are (from left) Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke; Government representatives, Minister Donald Buchanan; Senator Delano Franklyn; Minister Robert Pickersgill and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu. The ambassador hosted a reception at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Monday, September 26. ( RIGHT )Cheers to China, say (from left) Chinese Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu, Errald Miller and Local Government and Sport Minister Portia Simpson Miller. The Embassy of the People's Republic of China hosted a National Day Reception, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Monday, September 26. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
WHENEVER THE Chinese host a reception, the socialites do come out.
Monday, September 26, was one of those days and with this being the celebration of the formation of the People's Republic, then you know this was going to be big. So big, only the Hilton Hotel ballroom could suffice for the guests who turned out to celebrate with Ambassador Zhao Zhenyu and wife Wang Xiaoju. Just for clarity, the 'founding' date is October 1 but it's never too early (or late) for fun.
Ambassador Zhao took the opportunity to keep everyone abreast of China's renaissance. Annual economic growth of 9.4 per cent, fourth in trade volume, third in foreign investment; seems like China isn't doing too badly these days.
DIPLOMATIC DOORS OPEN
The ambassador is always keen to keep the diplomatic doors wide open between the two nations and used the occasion to tell of the latest happenings in that regard.
"The areas of cooperation between China and Jamaica have been further expanded to tourism, sports, culture, education, media and military," he pointed out. Even now, Jamaican reporters are touring China. Jamaica remains China's biggest trading partner in the English-speaking Caribbean.
"I can assure my Jamaican friends that China will remain a reliable development partner of Jamaica forever," he promised.
Replying on the government's behalf, Transport Minister Robert Pickersgill underlined both governments' commitment to the policies of the United Nations.
PHOTO EXHIBIT
Apart from the now familiar lanterns suspended gracefully from the ceiling, there was also a photo exhibit showing the many sights and sides of Beijing. And the food: simply delicious!
Among the guests were Dr. Winston Davidson; Pat Francis; Ed Khouri; Colombian Ambassador Dr. Kent Francis and wife Cecelia; Honduran Ambassador Carlos Matute and wife Rebecca; Arnold Foote and wife Patricia; Alwyn Bully; Housing and Water Minister Donald Buchanan; Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva; Venezuelan Ambassador Noel Martinez; Ambassador Madge Barrett; Ambassador Dr. Matthew Beaubrun; State Minister Foreign Affairs and Trade Delano Franklyn; Dr. Peter Kolbusch; Wilton Dyer; Joy and Loxley Lindo; and Ecuadorian Consul Clelia Barreto de Hunter.
