Saying goodbye is usually a sad occasion. However, this was not the case last Saturday at a reception for newly appointed Jamaican Consul General to Canada Seth George Ramocan.

Senator Oswald Harding and his wife, Marigold, hosted a reception for their long-time friends at their Jacks Hill residence and everyone expressed complete confidence in the new appointee.

It was not a night for long speeches as Ramocan and his wife, Lola, were scheduled to leave the island the following day. In his short greetings, Senator Harding noted that Ramocan was his "best bet" in these challenging times, and he had no doubt he would rise to the occasion. Harding wasn't the only one expressing that sentiment as there were murmurs of assent from sections of the audience.

Clearly excited by the prospect, Ramocan in his response noted that he was looking forward to the new experience (even the cold), and he was prepared to build Jamaica's name. Artist Paul Blackwood presented him with a painting to remind him of home; not that he is likely to forget, especially the good friends he temporarily leaves behind.

Among those present were Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dr Ken Baugh and his wife, Vilma; Senator Marlene Malahoo-Forte and her husband, Ian; former prime minister Edward Seaga and his wife, Carla; Canadian High Commissioner Stephen Hallihan and his wife, Cathy; Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ricardo Allicock; Natalie St Louis and her husband, Adrian; Dr Kurdell Espinosa, Michelle Bovell and her husband, Chris; Andrew Gallimore and his wife, Nikki; Dr Patricia Dunwell and her husband, Stanley; Dr Nigel Clarke and Joyce Hewett.

Stephen Hallihan (right), Canadian high commissioner to Jamaica, is in a jovial mood as he gets a laugh out of (from left) Dr Nigel Clarke, Ricardo Allicock and Stanley Dunwell.

Seth George Ramocan (centre), Jamaica's consul general to Toronto, Canada, receives a painting of Jamaican countryside from artist Paul Blackwood (right). Enjoying the moment are Ramocan's wife, Lola, and Senator Oswald Harding.

Belles of the ball, the always fabulous Michelle Bovell (left) with Fiela Alemanni.

Vilma Baugh (left) gets a warm welcome from Lola Ramocan as her husband, Seth, looks on.

You look gorgeous, my dear, may be what Senator Oswald Harding and his wife, Marigold (right), are saying as they welcome Natalie St Louis to the reception.

As captivating as ever, Carla Seaga (left) has the full attention of (from second left) Dorothy Carter Bradford, Edward Seaga, Dr Patricia Dunwell and Michelle Bovell.

Andrew Gallimore (left) is welcomed by Seth George Ramocan