Last night, in honour of Canada’s 146th birthday, it seemed most Canadian nationals gathered at the High Commissioner’s residence. The Hon. Robert Ready hosted a Canada Day party, complete with a special drink and red-and-white food. In addition to Canadians (all Cuso volunteers were there), there were officials from the Jamaican government, private sector and NGO community.

The lawn was decorated with screens showing Canadian scenes and we were treated to a wonderful (as usual) performance by the young and talented Alpha Boys. The High Commissioner, along with his wife and two children, greeted everyone personal. He also gave a speech about Canadian/Jamaican relations (there are 300,000 Jamaicans living in Canada!), as did the Justice Minister, Mark Golding. Ready also acknowledged his assistant, Barbara Thomas, for her service in Afghanistan with two medals of honour.

It was a great night, except for the fact that we had to say goodbye to fellow volunteer John, who will be greatly missed. Now, off to fly home for a week!