Daviot Kelly, Gleaner Writer

Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall (right) exchanges greetings with Indian High Commissioner Mohendra Singh Grover (left), as Dr Simon Clarke looks on. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

It was the reception that turned into a little soca fête. But that's inevitable when you're dealing with natives of Trinidad and Tobago, probably the only people who love to party more than Jamaicans. And with the reception celebrating the 46th year of independence of the twin-island republic, it was actually quite appropriate.

It was a festive affair from the start, with music from the Panoriddim Steel Band welcoming guests. The masks and sequins decorating The Jamaica Pegasus hotel's ballroom were indicative of a costume party. Mini roti beef and chicken dishes also gave just a 'tups' of Trini cuisine. But it was after the speeches that the Caribbean Regals band took the music and entertainment to another level, members of the band having little trouble in coaxing guests to join them in 'wukking up'!

Guests out included Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley and wife, Jo Ann; head of the European Union delegation in Jamaica, Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni; Argentine Ambassador Mario Pino; Haitian Charge d'Affaires Max Alce; Jorge Crespo and daughter, Betty; Anton and Maria Boerger; Prof Gordon Shirley; UWI Vice-Chancellor E Nigel Harris; Ambassador David Coore; Prof Hopeton Dunn and wife, Leith; Basil Smith; Prof Mark Figueroa and Jennes Anderson; Delano Franklyn; Dr Fay Whitbourne; Prof Verene Shepherd; Dr Simon Clarke; Robert Gregory; E Courtenay Rattray; Dr Wesley Hughes; Drs Dhiru and Laura Tanna; Ray Campbell; Hugh and Ouida Dunphy; Lorne McDonnough and daughter, Lyndsey; Winston Bayley; Joe Davis; Sonia Rickards; George Fatta; Patrick Lynch; Vivian Crawford; Peter and Velia Espeut and Tomlin Ellis.

Ultra fab Michelle Bovell (left), who we haven't seen on the social scene for a little while, catches up with Dr Barbara Munske

Dr Carol Ball (left) takes her turn on the red carpet to greet Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner Yvonne Gittens-Joseph.

Janet Barrett (right) and Lystra Sharpe catch a sight of something of interest, while Basil Lowe is more interested in the camera.

New Digicel CEO Mark Linehan (centre) is still making the introductory rounds and helping him out at the Trinidad and Tobago reception are Wayne Miller, head of marketing, and Suzanne Palomino, head of sales (east region). .