- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell (second right) and Dr. Barbara Munske (right) are joined in saluting Queen Elizabeth II on her birthday by His Excellency Professor The Most Honourable Kenneth Hall, Governor-General, and Mrs. Hall.

NO LONG, drawn out speeches; no boring rhetoric from a bunch of persons standing in pinstripe suits.

No! To celebrate the 80th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, British High Commissioner Jeremy Cresswell merely welcomed all to the gathering and said a swift thank you.

This allowed guests to go back to what they preferred doing; enjoying some delightful hors d'oeuvres and beverages on what was a steamy Jamaican June evening.

Celebrating the birthday of the legendary monarch was bound to evoke a large gathering and preparations were made for the gargantuan crowd. Shuttle buses were provided to transport guests from the Guardian Life parking lot to the steps of Trafalgar House, the High Commissioner's residence. A bagpiper blew shrill blasts from his instrument at the arrival of every shuttle to welcome the guests.

Such a landmark cannot be celebrated with a few drinks. There were copious amounts of shrimp and other goodies. Soon, there were toasts all around and a good time was enjoyed by all.