- FILE
High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, Dennis Francis, who will be leaving Jamaica in May.
Chester Francis-Jackson, Contributor
IN THE end, it was one very civilised affair. You know, as in very high-brow and continental and most definitely not the kind of free-for-all jump up that is common at this time of the season.
The reception was being thrown in honour of an esteemed son of the Caribbean and who hails from an island known for its revelry, bacchanal and all that!
The host was one of Kingston's leading social arbiters with an impeccable sense of decorum, even though it was during the high carnival season, and the guest of honour was the High Commissioner of the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dennis Francis. Calypso and/or 'getting on bad' was most definitely not on the menu.
And so two Thursday evenings ago, the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Iceland, Robert MacMillan, hosted what proved to be a most charming farewell reception in honour of outgoing Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner.
INSTANT HIT HERE
High Commissioner Francis has been one of the longest serving diplomats here in Kingston, having arrived almost seven years ago, and by nature of his longevity rose to the rank of dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
With a charming personality and a natural eloquence which sets him apart from most, Francis was an instant hit here socially.
Not only did he do the diplomatic and consular rounds, he also became a preferred guest, along the hallways and fabulous homes of upper St. Andrew. His wit and personal sense of sartorial style, as well as his sense of occasion, made him a rare jewel at parties, soirees and/or receptions.
As his country's first citizen here in Jamaica, Francis served with distinction, a fact attested to by the fact that his tour of duty survived two different administrations back home and several visits from political leaders of his island who found here an envoy with whom they were well pleased.
And, little wonder here as this envoy was really no stranger to his host country, as having lived and studied here at the University of the West Indies, Mona, during the 1980s, High Commissioner Francis was more than au fait with the Jamaican psyche, politically and socially, which stood him in good stead.
Sadly, his posting comes to an end in May, as he moves on to Geneva to become his country's permanent representative with the United Nations there.
So with Francis moving on, his consular colleague and friend, Robert MacMillan, decided on throwing a little cocktail reception in his honour, as a sign of the esteem with which the High Commissioner was held.
ONE SWELLEGANZA
The do, my dears, proved to be one swelleganza and then some, as guests began gathering from as early as 6:30 for the 7:00 p.m. affair and, by the appointed hour, the pool-deck and bar of the fab residence were a study in eleganza.
Those gathered to say their farewells were out in full cocktail regalia the men, in shirtsleeves (for the most part), and the women, all dripping fabulousness and haute style akin to that usually found at the court of St. James.
Mind y'all, the court of Kingston is no easy taskmaster as here haute-style is a pre-requisite for mere consideration, let alone an entrée!
No speeches here. Well, almost, as there was a kind of testimonial by the host to the goodwill of the guest of honour.
There was invocation by Msgr. Richard Albert and a response by Francis, and then it was back to the fabulous music of one-man musical aggregation, John Davies.
The wonderful fare was catered by the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. Honeys, it was like that a marvellously relaxed outing, toasting friendship and the bridges these build between nations. And with premium libations flowing y'all know no one was feeling any pain.
GUESTS ATTENDING
Among those out included: The Most Honourable Glynne Manley; Desmond and wife Peggy Blades; Head of the EU Delegation, Ambassador Gerd Jarchow; British High Commissioner, Jeremy Creswell and companion, Dr. Barbara Munske; Belgian Ambassador, Herman Portacarero and wife Myriam; South African Ambassador Advocate Faith D' Radebe and husband Jabulani Radebe; Mexican Ambassador, Lenora Rueda; Chilean Ambassador Alfanso Silva; wife of the Canadian High Commissioner, Louise Valle; Chris and Michelle Bovell; Anthony and Jeanne Watson; Captain Michael Lyn and wife Thalia; the always elegant Jennifer Lim; Richard and Diana Stewart; Paul and Oriente Issa; Michael Campbell; Paul and Becky Stockhausen; Dr. Charles and Corina Meeks; Harold Brady; Roy and Sylvia Collister; Leicester and Belinda Levy; Patrick Wong and companion Peta-Gaye MacMillan; Cleto Parkinson; Nicola Croswell-Mair; Honorary Consul of Ecuador Clelia De Barreto Hunter; John Burrowes and companion, Judy-Angel Markes; Capt. David McRae; Xavier and Roma Chin; David Read; the lovely Louise Finnegan; fab couple Chris and Michelle Mitchell; John Babcook; Maxine Williams; Dr. Vito Radonski; the fabulous Tanya Hoshue; Candy DePass; Brian Rosen; Lisa Marzouca; Sven and Stacy Voelk; Oliver B. Hill; and others.
