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Celebrating the CD

Published:Friday | October 21, 2011 | 12:00 AM
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European Union Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni (right), poses with his guests who celebrate his national award at Strathmore Great House, 11 East Strathmore, off Olivier Road, St Andrew, on Tuesday, October 18. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Photographer
Having a drink to cool down the sunny afternoon are (from left) Charles Hanna, Chris Bovell, Anthony Watson and Robert MacMillan. They were attending a reception hosted by European Union Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni to celebrate his national award at Strathmore Great House, 11 East Strathmore, off Olivier Road, St Andrew, on Tuesday, October 18. - Photos by Rudolph Brown/Photographer
Custos of St Andrew Marigold Harding (left) raps with (from second left) Eunice Morrison, Jeanne Watson and Michelle Bovell.
Birgit Hauk (left) and Helmut Hajek are in deep conversation.
A demonstrative Cesar Valor (right) jokes with Alex Dropinski.
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Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

The tinkling of glasses filled with champagne and wine was pleasing to the ear as guests wasted no time in giving their own little toasts.

The man being toasted was none other than Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni, head of the European Union (EU) delegation. But this vin d'honneur was not for his impending departure, but for receiving the Order of Distinction - Commander Class on Heroes Day. Ambassador Alemanni is the first-serving ambassador to be given a national award and, to celebrate, he hosted the mini-reception at the official residence on Tuesday, the day after the ceremony.

This event was really for the staff at the delegation to share with their 'boss' in his time of triumph. In a short speech, Ambassador Alemanni revealed that during his tenure the EU had dispersed J$43 billion in grants to critical areas that impede Jamaica's growth; debt and crime. He also promised more help would be coming. He saluted the Planning Institute of Jamaica for their collaboration with the EU on many of the projects.

"This award is in recognition of the role that the EU has come to play in Jamaica's economy and society ... and politics," he said. He said he was very proud of his team at the EU, and told the team members present that "we got this award, not me" and expressed hope that they would continue to be proud to work at the EU office.

Guests out included Ambassador Maxine Roberts and sister, Valerie; Barbara Scott; Chris and Michelle Bovell; Colleen Falconer; Giovannie Swaby; Jodie Brown-Lindo; Michele Gage; Lisa-Gaye Anderson; Pierre-Luc Vanhaeverbeke and Alberto Menghini.

>> See related photos on Page D4.