It's a French thing

Latoya Grindley, Staff Reporter

A melting pot of nationalities and accents converged on the lawns of the French ambassador's residence last Sunday evening to celebrate the French National Day, also known as Bastille Day.

A public holiday in France, recognised on July 14 each year, it is celebrated to commemorate the beginning of the French Revolution.

Ambassador Ginette de Matha stood poised on her red carpet, greeting guests individually.

Entertained by members of the Alpha Boys Band prior to the start of the formalities, guests gathered on the lawns engaging in small talk while enjoying hors d'oeuvres.

An evening earmarked for celebrating, Ambassador Matha tended to the formalities before opening the dance floor.

Seemingly the beloved ambassador, guests listened attentively, as she spoke in both her native language and English.

The ambassador highlighted areas of collaboration between both countries, one of which is education. "We are very proud that French is the second foreign language being taught in Jamaican schools. The Shortwood Teachers' College receives financial assistance from the embassy to train new French teachers, as does the Jamaican association of French teachers. We also provide the support of an linguistic attaché to the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Shortwood. In addition, we helped to launch two French cine clubs at UWI and Shortwood."

She also made mention of the yearly English assistants programme, which allows 25 Jamaican students to work as English teachers in France for one academic school year.

Thankful for the hospitality she has received since her arrival in Jamaica, the effervescent ambassador expressed gratitude to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade A.J. Nicholson.

"I enjoyed the way I had been welcomed in your country, with kindness and simplicity. A year later, as a sophomore now, I confirm that the first impression was a good one. Jamaica is a great and beautiful country and Jamaicans are among the nicest people in the world."

Following her address, and that of Nicholson's, a toast to the continued friendship between both countries marked the end of the formalities.

And there could been no dancing without the woman of the moment opening the dance floor; and so she did in fine style! She was later joined by those who were not afraid to show off their dancing skills.

For those who were not in the mood for dancing, the conversations continued while the bartenders and waitresses were kept busy, catering to the numerous requests of guests.

A meaningful celebration calls for a wonderful time out and guests were certainly not left short-changed as Ambassador Matha made sure all the right ingredients were in place for a successful party.

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com

Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer