Professor Harris' Christmas soirée

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

It was a jocular Professor E. Nigel Harris who took the microphone and declared, "Until you hear me, you won't get to eat." The inevitable laughter that followed got the desired effect of getting the gathering's attention as he said a few words at this Christmas reception in College Common on December 10.

He quipped that this event was taking place despite the Government's 'ban' on publicly funded holiday events, and even gave a few dining tips. "If you eat something and no one saw you do it, it has no calories" and "if you get a Diet Coke, it cancels out dessert" led to more hearty laughter.

In a more serious tone, he said the reception was his family's way of giving back in appreciation of the warmth and friendship from those present. In another poignant moment, he recalled that two distinguished gents who were regular attendants were missing this year: Professor Emeritus Rex Nettleford and Professor Barry Chevannes. But there was no time for the heads to drop as the Energy Plus Mento Band provided all the Christmas cheer with its repertoire of Jamaican classics and Yuletide selections.

Guests out included: former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, Sir Alister McIntyre, Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee Sr, wife Ann and son Parris Jr, Winston Bayley, Joe Pereira, Dr David Smith, Drs Akshai and Ajai Mansingh, Mike and Dawn Henry, Dr Peter Phillips, Bob Fowler, Cecile Clayton, Dr David Figueroa, his brother Mark Figueroa and sister-in-law Jennes Anderson, Professor Evan Duggan, Marlene and Howard Hamilton, Marvette Thompson and Willie Iton.

Photos by Winston Sill /Freelance Photographer