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The Classics

Mayor of Arequipa extends invitation to Jamaican Folk-Dancing group

Published:Friday | June 21, 2024 | 7:07 AM
The Mayor of Kingston Councillor Algon Samuels (fourth left), presenting Senor Jose Velarde Seto, Lord Mayor of Arequipa, the Second City of Peru, with a Souvenir album when the Peruvian visitor called on Councillor Samuels at his office on Tuesday morning, June 19, 1973. The occasion of his visit was to issue an official invitation to Jamaican artists to participate in the Third International Festival of folk dance to be held in Peru in August. Also seen (from left) are: Snr Carlos Bisso Granja, member of the Festival Organizing Committee of Peru; Mrs Kathleen Ashton de Owens, Peruvian Consul-General to Jamaica; Mr Ralph Brown, Deputy Mayor of Kingston; Snr Hugo Delgado Flores of the Festival Organizing Committee Peru; and Mr D. Robinson, the Mayor's personal assistant.

The Mayor of Arequipa, Mr Jose Velarde Soto, during a courtesy visit to His Excellency Sir Herbert Duffus, Acting Governor General, at King's House expressed his admiration for Jamaica and extended an invitation for a Jamaican folk-dancing group to participate in Arequipa's folk-dancing festival. Later, there was a luncheon at Devon House, attended by notable figures including Mr Rex Nettleford and Mrs Louise Bennett-Coverley, where plans for the festival participation were discussed.

Published Wednesday, June 20,1973

Peruvian mayor calls on Sir Herbert, Samuels

The Mayor of Arequipa Mr Jose Velarde Soto accompanied Jose Velarde Soto accompanied by Dr Carlos Delcado and Mr J. Disco of Arequipa’s Municipal Committee made a courtesy visit to His Excellency Sir Herbert Duffus, Acting Governor General, at King's House yesterday morning. They were presented to Sir Herbert by Mrs Kathleen Aston DeOwens and Mr Humberto Urtesta of the Peruvian Embassy.

Mr Velarde expressed his delight with Jamaica and his wish that they be represented by a folk-dancing group at the forthcoming folk-dancing festival to be held in Arequipa between August 14-22.  Mrs Velarde expressed his appreciation and gratitude at being received by the Governor General.

After his visit with the Acting Governor General the Mayor was taken on a tour of the city by Mrs DeOwens and later presented to the Mayor of Kingston Councillor Algon Samuels to invite him to visit Ariquips officially.  Mr Velarde expressed the hope that Councillor Samuels’ visit would coincide with the visit of a Jamaican folk-dancing group for Ariquipa’s festivity.

Later, the Peruvian visitor was hosted at a luncheon at Devon House which was attended by Mr Rex Nettleford, Mrs Dean Smith. Mr Eric Coverley and Mrs Louise Bennett-Coverley, to whom the Mayor expressed his wishes that Jamaica participate in the City’s folk dancing festivity. Details of planning and invitation were finalized and were given to Mr Nettleford for his consideration. The Mayor hoped in his visit to meet other dancers and artists during his stay.

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