Consular Corps salutes the Silvas

Chester Francis-Jackson, Geleaner Writer

And so, after a tour of duty that spanned five years, Spain's ambassador to Jamaica, Jesús Silva, and his wife, Sara, will leave Jamaica in early October. This will signal the end of what was an engaging and memorable stay.

The Silvas had an extended tour, due, in part, to his high visibility and involvement in further cementing bilateral ties between Spain and Jamaica, especially in promoting Spanish tourism interests here.

Not that Silva and his wife's contribution can be quantified simply by their stewardship of renewed Spanish engagement in Jamaica. While that, too, can stand up to any measure, Ambassador Silva's tenure can best be summed up by saying he re-engaged the Jamaican community on behalf of his country and people. That placed Spain once again front and centre of national dialogue.

The Silvas proved most charming and were by far exemplars in the diplomatic community. At both the national and community levels, they participated and spearheaded social intervention and engagements through their support of many cultural and social organisations.

So after five years of distinguished service during which his movie-star good looks made him perhaps the most popular and sought after diplomat, it's time to bid Ambassador Silva and his family adiós.

With his departure just a few weeks away, the Consular Corps of Jamaica, for which he was dean, hosted a farewell reception.

It was held on Saturday, September 11 under the auspices of the corps and honorary consul of Iceland, Robert MacMillan, at the home of the honorary honsul of Portugal, Paul Issa, and his wife, Oriente. The poolside reception proved to be a decidedly charming do.

A shortlist of friends and colleagues of the Silvas made for a simply marvellous outing! Guests mingled easily by the poolside and sprawling lawns.

And while the ambassador's impending departure hung over the reception, it reminded all that in him Jamaican and Spanish interests here were losing a good friend. The occasion was used to celebrate his contribution and not mourn his departure.

To this end, MacMillan and host Issa presented Ambassador Silva with a citation honouring him for his contribution. The inscription was read in both English and Spanish, adding a sombre touch to an otherwise celebratory affair!

Among those sharing the moment were Canadian High Commissioner Stephen Hallihan and wife Cathy; Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda, squired by businessman Nigel Pagon; Cuban Ambassador Yuri Gala and wife Yaima Gonzalez; the esteemed Karl Hendrickson and wife Nellie; Dennis Lalor; Christopher and Michelle Bovell; Tony and Sheila Hart, and their son Bruce; sisters Carole Issa-Cartade and Suzanne Issa; Charles Hanna; Beverley Levy; Anthony and Jeanne Watson; the lovely Rachael Gore; Mark and Paula Kerr-Jarrett; Rosanna Azan; Chris and Sally Levy; Frances Mahfood; honorary consul of the Ukraine, Kenny Benjamin; honorary consul of The Thai Kingdom, Thalia Lyn, and hubby Captain Michael; honorary consul of Costa Rica Lisa McGregor Johnston, and hubby Charley Johnston; honorary consul of Slovakia, Christopher Issa, and his wife, the fabulous Kimberly Mais Issa; honorary consul of Ecuador Clelia Barreto de Hunter; honorary consul of Israel, Ainsley Henriques, and his wife, Marjorie; honorary consul of Ghana, Patrick Lynch and wife Marguerite; Honorary Consul of Guyana, Indera Persaud, and hubby Dr Dayanamd Sawh; honorary consul of Latvia, Robert Scott, and his wife, Dean.

Also out were Captain David McRae; legal luminary Peter Milingen; Bruce Bowen and wife Suzann; Mark Linehan; David and Liz Hall; Nicola Crosswell-Mair; Wayne Chen and wife, Diana; Mark and Julie Jones; the honorary consul of Nicaragua, William Tavares-Finson, and his elegant wife Sandy; Rodney and Nadja Davis; Vikram and Aditi Dhiman; and director of state protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ricardo Allicock, and wife Susanne (the former brought greetings from the minister of foreign afffairs, Dr Ken Baugh).