Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter
Colombian Ambassador Ventura Emilio Diaz Meja greets Jennifer Staniger at a reception to celebrate the 198th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Colombia.
Colombia celebrated 198 years of independence on July 20.
Colombian Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr Ventura Emilio Diaz Mejia hosted an intimate reception to celebrate the event at the Knutsford Court Hotel, last Sunday.
In his speech to guests, Ambassador Dr Diaz Mejia spoke of the notable strides his country had been making since 2002 in its economy, and security among others.
"Our economy grew 7.52 per cent in 2007," the ambassador said, further adding that exports increased from US$11.975 in 2002 to US$23.716 in October 2007.
"Kidnappings and extortion declined 86 per cent, the lowest level in 20 years," he added.
He also highlighted a growth in tourism. "In 2007, Colombian tourism grew by 13.5 per cent, while overall world tourism grew at six per cent and Latin American tourism grew by 7 per cent," he said.
He also reiterated that both countries have always had a close relationship.
Dr Kenneth Baugh, foreign affairs and foreign trade minister, in response, stated that the link between Jamaica and Colombia existed for over 200 years. At present, both countries are searching for oil in the Joint Regime Area, which they share, to attempt to alleviate the energy crisis. The minister stated he hoped to visit Colombia soon to explore other possibilities.
Guests were then treated to Sunday brunch.
They included Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall; Prime Minister Bruce Golding; Canadian High Commission Denis Kingsley and wife, Jo-Ann; United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson; Ambassador of Honduras José Eduardo Norris; Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda; Ambassador of The Dominican Republic Filomena Navarro; Head of European Commission Delegation Marco Mazzocchi-Alemani; Brazilian Ambassador Alexandre Ruben; Milito Gueiros and wife, Gladys; Jennifer Stanigar; Lorenna Gomez; Maria Camila Pedrozo; Terry-Ann Coley-Graham; Melissa Johnson; Suzzane Beaudin; Andres Lara and Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie.
(From left) United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and Honduran Embassador José Eduardo Norris are engaged in a little discussion before the official programme. - photo by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Colombian Ambassador Ventura Emilio Diaz Meja and Kingston Mayor Desmond McKenzie propose a toast to continued good ties during Colombia's National Day reception, held at Knutsford Court Hotel Sunday, July 20.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Ken Baugh (left), Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, his wife, Lady Hall, and the host of the evening, Ventura Emilio Diaz Meja, enjoy each other's company.
