Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

Enjoying cocktails at the National Day of Brazil reception are (from left) Susan Fredericks, Michelle and Chris Bovell, Susan Alexander, Sue McManus and Oriente Issa. The reception was held at Carmel Terrace, Cherry Gardens, last Thursday. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

There were a number of vehicles lined up at Carmel Terrace on Thursday night; a sure sign that the Brazilians were having a get-together.

And this was no ordinary get-together; it was the National Day of South America's largest country. Ambassador Cezar Amaral and wife Lidia opened their doors for guests to enjoy a serene reception under the stars by their pool. We were no longer in upper St. Andrew, we were now in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, or any of the great country's magical cities.

Munching on traditional Brazilian delights, including some tasty chocolates, guests celebrated the 184th anniversary if the country's independence. The hit of the night was the caipirinha, a deceptive cocktail made from Cachaca (Brazilian rum), lime, sugar and water. Have one, you're in good stead, two might make you a little less so, and three or four glasses might just force you to take a seat.

No speeches

There were no speeches that night. In fact, there was no need for any as the relations between Brazil and Jamaica are well cemented. Whether it be in the more recent ethanol production treaties that have been penned to the more recreational love of the 'beautiful game' of football, Jamaicans and their South American colleagues have always seemed to see eye to eye. Ambassador Amaral and his staff have helped to keep this connection strong during his posting here.

While guests caught up on the latest current affairs, throwing in their individual two cents, Ishmael Borgef, a Brazilian residing in Jamrock for years, kept the music aficionados happy with some stirring keyboard play.

Guests included Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Cedric Harper and wife Barbara; Argentine Ambassador Jose Piño; Korean Ambassador Dr. Oh Kichull and wife Dr. Lee Kyung Ja; Christelle Harris; Mexican Charge d'affaires Alejandro Madrigal and wife Lilia; Venezuelan Minister Counsellor Madai Hernandez; Francisco Tenya from the Peruvian Embassy; Dominican Republic Ambassador Filomena Navarro; Chris and Michelle Bovell; Chief of Staff Rear AdmiralHardley Lewin; Robert Levy of Jamaica Broilers; Dr. Adolfo Mena; Head of the EU Delegation Gerd Jarchow and wife Mara; Trinidadian High Commissioner Yvonne Gittens-Josephs; Japanese Ambassador Hiroshi Sakurai and wife Kinuko; Minister Counsellor in the Cuban embassy Guillermo Hernandez; Oliver Jones; Prof. Graham Sergeant; Chilean Ambassador Alfonso Silva and wife Aida; David and Terry Shoucair and E. Courtney Rattray.