Bastille Day, the event which triggered the French revolution and the subsequent establishment of the First Republic, the declaration of human rights and the abolition of slavery in France, was top of mind here in Jamaica too, as French Ambassador to Jamaica Olivier Guyonvarch welcomed government officials, members of the Opposition, the diplomatic corps, the private sector, business titans, French nationals residing in Jamaica, amongst other notables, to his Hillcrest Avenue residence for an evening of bonhomie in observance of the day, also known as French National Day. It was also the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Jamaica.

The atmosphere was both festive and decidedly French.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Guyonvarch shared that the values associated with the July 14 celebrations do not only belong to the French.

“Today is a very special day because we believe that the values encapsulated in this celebration do not only belong to France but also to humankind as a whole. Tonight we are celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity with our human rights that democratic countries share, like France and Jamaica, and that mankind as a whole should be able to share and enjoy.

We share the same historic book but today we walk and recover together for a better future for our nations. This is also a special day for me because this is my first 14th of July in Jamaica, the country where I choose to serve.

“Jamaica has a lot of assets, but the greatest of them all is the people. I encourage all students to pursue education in France.

State minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Leslie Campbell, in his response on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, shared that the holiday marks the importance of creating an inclusive and open society.

“France can be proud of the progress it has made since 1789. The country has emerged as a critical global leader and a trusted voice on several key issues including climate change and sustainable development.

One of our greatest areas of corporation is the opportunity to learn from each other through personal interactions,” Campbell said.

Formalities continued with the cutting of a 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations cake and wrapped with guests enjoying a fusion of local and French fare and copious amounts of liquor that naturally included French wines.