Mon | Apr 13, 2026

A spirited welcome for Italian Ambassador

Published:Thursday | November 3, 2016 | 12:00 AMNashauna Lalah
Pause
Darien Robertson
Pietro Gramegna, marketing manager, JWN Ltd, Campari Spritz raises his glass with Charge d affairs at the Spanish Embassy, Carmen Rives.
Darien Robertson
The gorgeous Samantha Straun.
Darien Robertson
Italian Ambassador to Jamaica Armando Varricchio and his gorgeous wife Micaela Barbagallo.
Darien Robertson
The lovely Alessandra Bartoli Misir (left) with her beautiful daughter, Sara.
Darien Robertson
Having a good time are from left: Evita's Eva Myers; Aldo Davoli, Gruppo Campari global public affairs senior director; Jean Jacques Dubau Grouppo Campari managing director, North America; and Ludovia Rappaport.
Darien Robertson
Non-resident Italian Ambassador to Jamaica Armando Varricchio (second left) has the full attention of (from left) Chairman of J. Wray and Nephew Clement 'Jimmy' Lawrence; Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Karl Samuda; Jean-Philippe Beyer, managing director of Grouppo Campari; and Minister of Finance Audley Shaw.
Darien Robertson
Italian Ambassador Armando Varricchio examines the 21-year-old Appleton Rum he received from Grouppo of Campari Managing Director Jean-Philippe Beyer.
Darien Robertson
The Wray and Nephew Family (from left) Jane George, senior legal counsel; Chairman Clement Lawrence; and Tanikie McClarthy Allen , public affairs and sustainability director.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

When Italians and Jamaicans get together, it's a guaranteed good time. And so, a good time was had recently when Wray and Nephew, now a part of Gruppo Campari, welcomed the new non-resident Italian Ambassador to Jamaica, Armando Varricchio.

Wray and Nephew's @twentythree venue in New Kingston was the scene of the festivities on Tuesday. At the official start time of 7 p.m., the event was already in full swing. Guests mingled, drinks in hand, and an exciting mix of local and foreign accents filled the air.

Honoray Italian Consul to Jamaica Maria Carla Gullotta made note of the 'take-it-easy' attitude of both countries. She said this has helped Italians feel at home in Jamaica. She noted that is a very comfortable place to live. Since 1986, the Italian population in Jamaica has increased from about six to almost 500. She sent love to her fellow Italians back home who have suffered from the recent earthquakes.

 

JAMAICA A SPECIAL PLACE

 

In his very short and relaxed presentation, Varricchio told the gathering that he arrived in the island on Saturday and that after only three days, he could tell that it's a special place. Not only was he interested in getting to know the country, but he was also eager to talk about initiatives and ideas. He noted that though Italians and Jamaicans are laid back people, we are very strong workers who do things in a good mood. He thanked Jamaica for hosting the Italian community, adding that when you think about Jamaica, you think about a great country, and it was now time for Jamaica to exploit all available opportunities.

He noted that he had a lot of plans for his tenure, for economic and cultural exchanges - sharing ideas, sharing passion, adding that Campari is an Italian ambassador of taste.

And, speaking of taste, Jacqui Tyson and her team had everyone indulging in her delicious hors d'oeuvres and a variety of libations from Wray and Nephew's wide selection. Spirits were high and an evening that started with strangers ended among friends.