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Upon arrival in Macau, visitors and guests were greeted by dull stormy skies along
with telephone poles adorned with both the Portuguese and Chinese flags. A
scattering of Chinese gunboats can be faintly seen in the outer harbor in the background.
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Throughout the Handover Venue, guests were ushered along wide
expanses of red carpeting. Here the carpeting is plainly evident as accredited
guests in the background are screened through metal detectors before being allowed into
the Main Venue. Once in, burgundy clad hostesses ensured everyone was treated
royally.
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Artists and youth from Macau staged a 'musical-historical' cultural performance of
Macau's history from 1557 to 1999. Approximately 2,000 guests were taken along a
musical ride through the ages culminating in a Grande Finale which touched upon every
heart in attendance
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After the show, guests were escorted outdoors for open-air
cocktails and entertainment. Dinner followed in a giant "tent" especially
designed and constructed for the Handover. This picture provides a glimpse of
the over 2,000 guests being seated by hundreds of waiters and waitresses.
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Just prior to the banquet, all the Presidents of the Casa's
gathered for a photograph along with Dr. Monjardino from the Funda??o Oriente.
This gathering might be the last of it's kind unless or until a 4th Encontro materializes.
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Pictured at right is our President, Mike Guterres along with
Col. Tiago Vasconsuelhos, the Governor's Aide -de-Camp who was seated at our table.
Tiago also accompanied the Governor to Vancouver in November 1999. Col.
Vasconsuelhos is returning to a regular Portuguese army unit upon his return to
Portugal. We wish Tiago our very best and hope we shall run into him again sometime
in the future. He has been a good friend to our Casa and we are thankful for all the
help he has given us.
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Following dinner, guests were escorted along more red carpeting
to the actual hall where the Handover was to take place. This picture shows the
Portuguese podium used by the President of Portugal, Sr. Jorge Sampaio, in his final
address as the Head of State of Macau.
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As the clock ticked down the minutes, guests and media from
around the world awaited the arrival of the official delegations while the Portuguese
and Chinese military bands alternated in 'entertaining' a somber crowd. Pictured to
the right is the Portuguese military band. The podium and seating for the official
delegations is located to the left of this picture - out of view.
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Just prior to the arrival of the official delegations, the
Portuguese military arrive at the Handover Hall marching to a traditional marching piece
proudly played by the Portuguese military band.
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Upon arrival of the official delegations, the President of
Portugal, Sr. Jorge Sampaio addresses Macau, and the world, in his last speech as the Head
of State of Macau. In his speech he urged the Government of China to honor the
agreement made with respect to the personal and religious rights and freedoms of all Macau
residents. He spoke proudly about all Macau had achieved throughout it's history and
assured Macau, and the world, that Portugal will be watchful to ensure that all of the
terms of the Handover are put into place, and will continue under the new administration.
The Portuguese National Anthem was played immediately following Sr. Sampaio's
speech as the picture to the right illustrates.
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During the National Anthem, the flags of
Portugal and the Leal Senado (Loyal Senate) are lowered in unison for the last time.
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The day following the Handover, December 20th, 1999, scores of
Chinese gunboats can be seen in the inner harbour signifying perhaps an unwritten
statement from the new regime.
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