The National Gallery of Jamaica commemorated its 30th anniversary on November 16th with a banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and the witty Ambassador Peter King as master of ceremonies guided the gathering through the evening's programme.

Chairman of the National Gallery Maria Jones welcomed all present. Dinner was a sumptuous fare of smoked marlin a la crème (filled with blue cheese and special Pegasus dressing), cream of pumpkin soup, supreme of chicken du mer, fillet of snapper parametier, pomme alphonso, julienne of parrots & french cut beans, chocolate and orange mousse with a lemon strawberry sauce, coffee/tea. Music by Cecil Cooper and friends (which included Dr Carol Ball and Paulette Bellamy) was the perfect accompaniment.

The "honouring commitment" segment paid homage to past chairmen. Those receiving awards were: Hon Maurice Facey, who served during the period 1974-1977 and again 1981- 1992; Hon John Maxwell who chaired the Gallery from 1977-1980; Hon Aaron Matalon, who also chaired from 1991 until his retirement in 2002.

Matalon's generosity in personally funding many of the Gallery's activities was climaxed by his own outstanding gifts of over 200 works to the Gallery in 1999.

A festival of South African films

From left: In animated discussion at the South African film festival are: Dr Hopeton Dunn, chairman CPTC, Thandazile Chiliza, wife of South African high commissioner, Thanduyise Chiliza, South African high commissioner and Jamaica's Information Minister Burchell Whiteman.

The South African High Commissioner His Excellency Thandiyise Chiliza and chairman of Creative Production & Training Centre (CPTC) Dr Hopeton Dunn officially opened the South African Film Festival on Monday 22nd at the Palace Cineplex, Sovereign Centre, at 8:00 pm.

Specially invited guests were feted at a reception prior to the showing of the film, Koffifi at the Jade Gardens Restaurant, where they feasted on an array of Chinese delicacies.

With the playing of the National Anthems of Jamaica & South Africa, master of ceremonies Michael Anthony Cuffe moved into the proceedings, made his remarks in his cool and suave manner, thus making the audience quite comfortable.

High Commissioner Chiliza welcomed all present while Dr Dunn brought greetings and wished the film's success.
Minister of Information Hon Burchell Whiteman eloquently made his speech on behalf of the Jamaican Government and People, and declared the Festival of Films officially opened.

This short 45-minute flick, which brought back memories of the aparthied era, is a love story of a black boy and a white girl.

In further recognition of South Africa's Anniversary of Independence, other films will be shown including Cry the Beloved Country, Sarafina, Ubuntu's and IPI Tombi, which will be shown on November 26 at the Neville Hall Lecture Theatre, UWI.

Among the specially invited guests were: Under Secretary Ambassador Peter Black, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HE Dennis Francis, Costa Rica's Ambassador HE Kent Francis and Mrs Francis, Nigera's High Commissioner Her Excellency Chief Modupe Akintola, Representatives of the Embassies of France, Venezuela & Argentine Republic, former Senator Dr Ossie Harding & Mrs Harding, Barrington Chisholm, Mutabaruka & spouse, Mr & Mrs Wycliffe Bennett, Consul for Lithuania Lois Sherwood, Consul for Poland Mrs Irena Cousins, Dean of Consular Corp Arnold Foote & Mrs Foote, Jean Small, Paula Johnson, Deputy High Commissioner Trinidad & Tobago, and Kirk Francois.

Executive Class

Gardens with Gravel

Death to the Mullet!