Argentineans celebrate!
published:
Sunday | May 28, 2006

- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner, Dennis Francis, and Fanny Pino cut the celebratory cake as the Argentine Ambassador to Jamaica hosted a National Day Reception, held at the Hilton Kingston, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, on Thursday.
Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
IT'S ALWAYS great timing when the first big party you're throwing is to celebrate your country's national day.
Such was the case for Argentine Ambassador, Mario José Pino, and his lovely wife, Fanny, as they welcomed their diplomatic colleagues and other guests to the Hilton Kingston hotel in celebration of their nation's 186th anniversary. Here only since March 14, the Pinos haven't had the chance to introduce themselves to the wider Jamaican audience until now.
DIVERSE LANDSCAPE
The walls of the Les Ambassadeurs suite were covered with photos of the South American republic showing its diverse landscape and numerous activities. Argentine cuisine was also on display with the 'choripan' (spicy sausage sandwich) being very popular among the guests.
It is important to note here that Ambassador Pino was the chef behind that particular meaty treat showing that there is more to his repertoire than just diplomacy. And, wife, Fanny Pino, seems to be quite the baker as she prepared the delightful cake that guests took big slices of for their plates. All was enjoyed with tasty La Celia wine from, where else?
But, before guests got to enjoy the gastronomic experience, Ambassador Pino had earlier opined that though they were celebrating independence, a nation can never be free unless all its neighbours are as well. He vowed his country's assistance in fighting for democracy, human rights and to work with the international community to fight crime.
So, the connection between Argentina and Jamaica gets even better as Argentine polo players are always gracing our shores (and polo grounds), with their presence.
Among the guests were Colombian Ambassador, Dr. Kent Francis and wife, Cecelia; Joseph A. Matalon and Bernadette McKinley-Morin; Chilean Ambassador Alfonso Silva; UNDP representative Juan Carlos Espinola; Brazilian Ambassador, Cezar Amaral and wife, Lidia; Richard and Diana Stewart; Director of Protocol, Sandra Grant-Griffiths; Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and wife, Capt. Tessa Lewin; Dominican Republic Ambassador Filomena Navarro; Nigerian High Commissioner, Olufolajimi Akintola; Leonor Segura; Alejandro and Lilia Madrigal from the Mexican embassy; Maxine Roberts; Shorna-Kay Richards and E. Courtenay Rattray, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Red Stripe's Mark McKenzie and wife, Betty Valiante and Andrew Desnoes of Lascelles.