Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter

Velvet beauties. Zhang Jia and Xiao Linhua, wife of the Ambassador of the Republic of China, wear traditional kimonos in velvet to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Ambassador of the Republic of China, Chen Jinghua and his wife Xiao Linhua both greeted guests at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel as they came to celebrate the Chinese New Year, last Monday.

Jamaicans with Chinese heritage, and even those without, came out to partake. Ambassador Jinghua spoke of the many strides his country made in the previous year, like joining in space exploration, and looked to the upcoming activities, such as hosting the Olympic Games.

Xin Nian Kuai Le! That's: Happy New Year from the Chinese. From left: Nicole Hoo-Fatt, Johnny Chuck and Gail Chung celebrate the New Year.

He, however, took time out to remember those in China who experienced a severe snowstorm affecting up to 18 provinces, resulting in approximately US$17.5 billion in damage.

On a happier note, he spoke of the cooperation between Jamaica and China and toasted the health and friendship in Jamaica.

Natalie Shim and Ali McNab also turned out to celebrate.

Wilson Look Kin, president, Chinese Benevolent Association, and Fay Pickersgill, president of the Jamaica/China Friendship Association, also expressed their best wishes for the relationship between China and Jamaica in this the year of the rat.

Special guests included Governor General Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall.

All were entertained by music and songs from a group of University of the West Indies students who study Chinese.

Wilson Look Kin, president of the Chinese Benevolent Association (left), greets Ambassador of the Republic of China Chen Jinghua at his Chinese New Year celebrations at The Pegasus hotel on Monday. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

After the formalities, everyone was treated to Chinese cuisine and drinks.

We saw Speaker of the House Delroy Chuck, Commissioner of Police Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin and wife Captain Tessa Lewin, Thalia Lyn and husband Captain Michael Lyn, Lascelles Chin, Zhang Li Yong and wife Zhang Jia, Nicole Hoo-Fatt, Johnny Chuck, Gail Chung, Natalie Shim and Ali McNab.