Germans United

If you are old enough then you would remember those famous scenes from Berlin.

Not of Usain Bolt and company burning up the blue track at the World Championships, but of the Berlin Wall being broken down, signifying the reunification of East and West Germany. Hard to believe that those scenes took place 20 years ago. German Ambassador to Jamaica Jurgen Engel acknowledged this at his German Day of Unity reception, held at the Jamaica Pegasus on Monday.

Ambassador Engel thanked the many partners who played a role in German unification, helping to make the reunion a straightforward process. He joked that he felt jealous of his Latin American colleagues, some of whom are celebrating 200 years! But he quipped that this year marked the bicentenary of the first Oktoberfest held in Munich.

On a serious note, he also assured the gathering that Germany would be assisting with the relief effort in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nicole. The already-authorised €$50,000 (nearly J$6 million) was welcome news. House Speaker Delroy Chuck, representing the Government, lauded Germany's achievements including having the largest economy in Europe and the fifth-largest in the world.

The reception area was filled with various information, including Berlin's nightlife and fashion. And no guest could resist the various pieces of German memorabilia that were offered.