CARICOM Consular Corps share Christmas joy

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree illuminated the front area of the Jamaican Consulate in Manhattan recently, where nationals greeted each other with joy and goodwill at the annual CARICOM Consular Corps reception, hosted by Barbados Consulate General Lennox Price.

The smell of festive fare and cheerful chatter were evident everywhere, as the elegantly dressed expatriates mixed and mingled, shook hands, and hugged each other during the delightful evening that brought out many dignitaries, including some from back home.

Consul General of Jamaican, Herman G. LaMont welcomed Jamaica’s Cabinet Minister Noel Ascott, and UWI Professor, Dr. E. Nigel Harris, who he called warm friends from the sunshine.

The expatriates who enjoyed infectious Caribbean music received a rousing welcome from Chairman of the Consular General Committee, Lennox Price. He thanked the nationals for choosing the reception instead of any of the other activities they could have gone to in New York.

Price, who was host of the night, thanked Jamaican Consul General Herman Lamont for the use of the venue, and the consulate staff for availing themselves to help in the execution of the reception, adding, “it was indeed a pleasure to be in the company of such a happy group of individuals.”

“This annual Christmas party is of particular importance to the consular corps, in that it provides a forum for us to interact and network with our community. It is also important to us because it allows us to express our appreciation to you for supporting us during the year” said Price.

“Many times the contributions of others are taken for granted, but let me assure you that the Caricom consular corps is indeed mindful of the importance of partnering with others as we pursue our various endeavors”.

“I would like to thank our many partners who have assisted with our health fair, the Caribbean American Heritage program, or those who simply made presentation at our meetings.

“You have worked well with us over the years, and I remain confident that such facilitation will continue. I sincerely thank you for extending a hand of friendship to us, and may long live the spirit of corporation that exists between you and our respective consulates.

“May the spirit of warmth and happiness be with you this holiday season and throughout the New Year,” he concluded.

Dignitaries in attendance were Consul General of Trinidad and Tobago, Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam, Deputy Consulate General of St. Lucia, Julian Dubois, Deputy Consulate General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Edison Augustus, Honorary Consul of Grenada, Derrick James, Consul General of Antigua & Barbuda, Ms. Omyma David, Consul General of Bahamas, Forrester J. Carroll and President of the Guyana Tri-State Alliance, Patricia Jordon-Langford.