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Colourful celebration for Diplomatic Week

Published:Friday | February 3, 2012 | 12:00 AM
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It's a family night out for European Union head, Ambassador Paola Amadei, husband Jorge (left) and their son Antonio.
Youth and Culture Minister Lisa Hanna makes her entrance.
Soprano Zhao Danni exercises her vocal chords to resounding effect.
Yang Kunhao had them clapping and moving to every beat during his face-off dance. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
The Nigerians brought the energy, their beats and steps pulsating from start to finish.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister A.J. Nicholson (left) jokes with German Ambassador Josef Beck (right) and state minister in the ministry, Arnaldo Brown.
Edita Hrdá (left), permanent representative of the Czech Republic to the United Nations, and Slovenian Ambassador to Jamaica Anita Pipan are in for Diplomatic Week.
Consul María Claudia Giraldo (left) and Vanessa Torres, first secretary of foreign affairs - cultural affairs, both of the Embassy of Colombia, smile for the camera.
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The Courtleigh Auditorium resembled a mini world's fair on Monday night as Diplomatic Week got into full gear.

The 14th edition of the week-long meeting of the diplomatic minds began with a church service on Sunday and continued into a cultural evening, showcasing booths and performances from different nations. Leading up to the concert portion of the evening, embassy and high commission staff from 12 nations (Jamaica included) were busily putting the finishing touches on their booths.

Guests had their choice of perusing from China, USA, Institute of Jamaica (representing 'yaad'), India, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Belgium, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan and Mexico. The speakers turned to the expo area blared music from various territories, giving guests a sample of the musical feast that would soon unfold.

The entertainment package, as Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister A.J. Nicholson pointed out, had performances from three continents (Africa, Asia, and Europe) represented by Nigeria, China and Spain, respectively. All the pieces were immaculately presented, whether it was the artistic efficiency of the Chongqing Arts Delegation from China; the pulse-pounding vibrancy of the Nigerian group (and Jamaica's Akwaaba Drummers); or the strumming of Spanish guitarist Jorge Valenciano Rodriguez. Ibo Cooper and Friends then took guests on a Jamaican musical journey, showcasing songs from mento to dancehall.

Performances over, it was time to see what the finished booths offered and guests were not disappointed. Sure there was information galore on the various countries, but fare on offer was also a hit. Among the many treats, the Spanish paella, the 'Trinis' pelau and Argentina's sweet treats were among the favourites. And, of course, with such wine-producing nations as Chile around, the vino was the drink of choice for many, even though Mexico's refreshing Corona beer also went down well.

daviot.kelly@gleanerjm.com