Janet Heg (right) has the attention of Tracia-Gay Kennedy-Dixon (left) and Marion Siekierski at the Canadian High Commission's reception for new counsellor, Christopher Duggan.

ALthough Jamaica is the perfect posting, so many leisure opportunities, Christopher Duggan has hit the ground working.

The new political and economic counsellor at the Canadian High Commission has been meeting with everyone - from the foreign affairs ministry to the National Works Agency. All this is six short weeks of his new assignment.

Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley hosted a meet-and-greet reception on October 2 at his residence to introduce the new man to members of the media and other folks with whom he will be liaising during his time.

"We have identified the Americas as one of our objectives ... and Jamaica is an important regional hub," said Duggan.

He will work closely with the high commissioner in areas of bilateral relations and aiding capacity building. All with a small staff.

"We're a small team but we're mighty," he says.

He believes the relations are strong between the countries partly because of the high number of Jamaicans living in Canada.

Duggan and his German-born wife, Marion, were previously in Nigeria and jumped at the chance to come to Jamaica.

"I'm learning how to cook ackee properly," he joked.

He raved about the warmth of the Jamaican people and admitted he wanted to meet more than just the diplomats; he's looking forward to getting out into the countryside.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com.

New Canadian political and economic counsellor, Christopher Duggan (left), meets fellow Canadian, lecturer John Rapley. - Photos by Winston Sill/ Freelance Photographer