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Twenty-two years of freedom celebrated

Published:Thursday | April 28, 2016 | 12:00 AMJody-Anne Lawrence
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Subbalakshmi Mohan (left) of the Indian High Commission, smiles for the camera with Patricia Rodney Evering, director of protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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From left: George Habib, deputy head of Mission of the Russian Embassy, Sergey Tarasov and wife Larisa celebrates with the South African High Commission.
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South African Charges d'Affaires Philip Riley and Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck toasts the 22nd anniversary of South African Freedom Day.
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From left: Belgium Ambassador Guy Sevrin, daughter Emily, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Hope Lindo.
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From left: Charges d'Affaires Russian Embassy Andrey Dryakin, Officer in charge of UNAIDS South Africa Dr Nkhensani Mathabathe, and Jongikhaya Rabe from the South African High Commission pauses the celebration for a quick photo.
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Consul of Chile Maximiliano Jara and wife Fabiola Viera.
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South African Cebo Masiba (left), shares a drink with Pierre De Villiers of the South African High Commission.
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From left: Talita De Villiers, of the South African High Commission; Consul of Ecuador Clelia Barreto de Hunter; and Social Secretary at the South African High Commission, Carleen Lowe, strike a pose at the South Africa Freedom Day celebrations held at the Knutsford Court hotel on Wednesday night.
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The Republic of South Africa rolled out the red carped to welcome well wishers at the Knutsford Court Hotel on Wednesday night, to celebrate their National Day (Freedom Day).

Twenty two years ago, on April 27, the republic held their first post-apartheid democratic elections won by Nelson Mandela.

This year, the day was celebrated under the theme: "Together Building Better Communities Local Government is everybody's Business."

Charge d'Affaires Philip Riley noted that his country still has work to do, however, they have made some significant strides in the past 22 years. He also thanked Jamaica for their support even before the apartheid period had ended.

Riley also commended Jamaica's political maturity based on the smooth process of the last general elections which included a change of leadership.

 

Common bond

 

Jamaica and South Africa share a bond, one that Minister of Justice Delroy Chuck recognised in his brief speech. From the similarities in the flags that shows our kinship to the unity which is shown through the agreements between both countries.

These includes the Scientific and Technological Co-operation Agreement and the Agreement on the Establishment of Political Consultations among others.

This night was not all business and formalities however, it was a night to celebrate. Thus guests enjoyed great South African wine, Amarula (the South African rum cream) among other smooth and sweet and fine cocktail treats.

It was a light hearted night to celebrate a milestone.