A toast to Paola - Colleagues host fond send-off for head of EU Delegation
Published:Wednesday | January 13, 2016 | 12:00 AMKrysta Anderson
Parting was such sweet sorrow for the diplomatic corps and other guests who gathered to bid adieu to head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) in Jamaica, Ambassador Paola Amadei.
It was a mingling frenzy at the Norbrook residence of United States Ambassador Luis G. Moreno, where red and white wines were the libations of choice among the intimate group.
The formalities were short and sweet in delivery, with Ambassador Moreno opening the floor and welcoming all to his humble abode. From there, he passed the baton to Nicaraguan Ambassador David McField, who hosted the proceedings.
McField's speech was orated in Spanish, but luckily for those who were not versed in the foreign language, Moreno served as a courteous interpreter.
SINCERE GRATITUDE
Joy and laughter filled the space as McField expressed sincere gratitude to Amadei, a colleague and dear friend.
"You don't want the good people to leave. You definitely don't want to see a woman to go, but we understand that you have to. We love you and will miss you.
"Amadei, 'the one loved by God', is a precious name, and today, we celebrate in a communion of happiness. We have been very impressed with your tremendous work and how you get along with people. We've seen you dancing, and now, we join together to have a couple of drinks and say goodbye. Wherever you go, let your path be smooth."
In her reply, Amadei said she was moved by McField's words.
She thanked Moreno for offering his home and for being a friend, and thanked all guests for attending.
"We will continue to work on the relationship between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean," she added.
She moves on to work with 62 countries and the EU state.
In his address, Jamaica's foreign affairs and foreign trade state minister, Arnaldo Brown, saluted Amadei as an excellent representative for the EU. He said the great work she did had not gone unnoticed. In fact, Brown said, the EU has become a major partner with the Jamaican Government.
He described her as a genuine person, someone who is very frank. He added that it was a pleasure to host her and her family, noting that her tour will go on since she will still be working with the Caribbean nations.
The speeches were followed by a grand toast. Then conversations resumed over hors d'oeuvres and more wine.