Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Left: Chen Jinghua, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, in a hearty conversation with Prime Minister Bruce Golding (centre) and Dr. Oswald Harding, President of the Senate. Right: Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni (left), European Union head of delegation, shares the spotlight with Dr. Christopher Tufton, Agriculture Minister, and his wife Neadene.

It was a grand reception as guests celebrated the 58th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

This was the first national day celebration for Ambassador Chen Jinghua since he assumed the post last year. Ambassador Chen said there was actually another reason to celebrate, as it was the same time for the Chinese Moon Festival.

He reflected on his country's path of reform and elicited applause upon the announcement of the annual gross domestic product growth of 10 per cent. He highlighted the transformation of China into an open, socialist market economy.

Merry time

Left: Brenda LaGrange Johnson (right), United States Ambassador, makes a point to Beverly Levy. Right: Audley Shaw, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, greets Rheima Hall, wife of Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall. - photos by Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

Once Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Ken Baugh said a few words on behalf of the Government, it was time to make merry.

Out at this celebration were Dean of the diplomatic corps, Cezar Amaral and wife Lidia; Argentine Ambassador Mario Pino and wife Fanny; Spanish Ambassador Jesús Silva and wife Sara; Deputy British High Commissioner Paul Nicolopulo and wife Kareen; Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and wife Jo Ann; Ecuadorian Consul Clelia Barreto de Hunter; Senegalese Ambassador Nafiissatou Diagne; Cuban Ambassador Gisela Garcia and daughter Betty; Ana Watson from the Costa Rican Embassy; Ada and Jorge Morales.

Also out were Chief Justice Zaila McCalla and husband William; veteran photograher Ray Chen; Transport Minister Mike Henry and wife Dawn; Justice Minister Dorothy Lightbourne; Speaker of the House Delroy Chuck; State Minister Michael Stern; State Minister Laurie Broderick; Mable Tenn; Adrian Lemaire; Thalia and Michael Lyn; State Minister Dwight Nelson; Ambassador Douglas Saunders and wife Angela Robertson; E.G. Hunter; Marjorie Kennedy; national football coach Bora Milutinovic; Ed Khoury; Dr. Wesley Hughes; Norma Harrack; Chris and Michelle Bovell, TVJ General Manager Kay Osborne; E. Courtenay Rattray; Shorna-Kaye Richards; and Justice Howard Cooke Jr.

Director of Protocol, Sandra Grant-Griffiths, has the attention of Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, at the 58th anniversary celebration of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.