Left: Chinese Ambassador Chen Jinghua (second right) and wife Xiao Linhua (right), in animated conversation with Dalton Yap and Sharon Wang.   Right: Lori-Ann Lyn (left), listens keenly to an energetic Beverley Lopez.

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

New Chinese Ambassador to Jamaica, Chen Jinghua, had the pleasure of spending his first Chinese New Year in his new posting.

The ambassador hosted an informal dinner at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel last Friday night. The event seemed very much a family affair as members of the various Chinese groups and organisations in Jamaica were in attendance. Also, employees of the embassy and their immediate families were out to cheer in a special Year of the Pig.

This is the Year of the Golden Pig, which occurs every 600 years. According to the Ambassador, the year of the pig in general, represents the commendable traits of fortitude, honesty and loyalty. He noted that China's positive growth continued in 2006 with its gross domestic product and its foreign exchange reserves both increasing. He expressed satisfaction that the economic and trade cooperation between Jamaica and China had continued.

"We also note with great pleasure that in the past year the Chinese community here has further integrated themselves into Jamaican society and made commendable contributions to the economic and social development of Jamaica," he said. Jamaicans have already seen the benefits of Chinese workmanship with the building of the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Sports Complex and the soon-to-be finished Sligoville Sports Centre.

Expressions of hope for the new year were also brought by president of the Chinese Benevolent Association, Wilson Look-Kin. He said the new year always signifies the strengthening and enhancing of ties with the family and the rejuvenating of friendships. He said that the motherland's development was a source of joy for all Jamaican Chinese as they seek to emulate the success.

Excellent buffet

William Kong (right) makes a point to Dave Lyn and Ann-Marie Chin at the Chinese New Year Reception.

The excellent buffet was catered by the Dragon City Restaurant staff.

Guests included: Delroy Chuck; president of the Jamaica/China Friendship Association Joyce Wong Chew Onn and husband Sam; Fay and Tony Pickersgill; Maggie Lyn; Ed Wong Chew Onn; Ann-Margaret Lim and aunt Arlene Chin; Irena Cousins; Michael and Thalia Lyn; Eaton Chung; Howard Cooke Jr.; and Easton Lee.