…President states at Chinese New Year’s celebrations
At a function at the Chinese Embassy Tuesday evening to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year (the Year of the Tiger), President Bharrat Jagdeo delivered brief remarks where he extended to the Chinese Government and its people best wishes from Guyana, and also expressed appreciation for the contribution that China is making to Guyana and the rest of the world.
“We, in Guyana appreciate all the support we have received from them (the Chinese Government and its people) over the many years. This is a unique characteristic about China. They have always shared their successes with other people around the world. The developing world has benefitted enormously from the progress made in China and we, in Guyana, have many things that we can point to show the generosity of the Chinese people,” the Head of State said.
President Jagdeo also lauded China’s wise leadership and strong international positions that it has taken, and called for continued collaboration between Guyana and China.
“We hope that we can continue to change international relations, particularly economic relations and international institutions, so that they are more representative of the world’s interests,” he stated.
The President also expressed a wish to work with the Chinese on combating climate change, while noting that China bears no blame for its origin.
“We want China to be part of the solution; but I refuse to blame China for the problems of climate change as some have seemed to want to do. We hope that we can continue working together to fashion a regime that will be good for the world,” he expressed.
“I would like, on behalf of all Guyana, to wish the Chinese people a New Year filled with success and happiness,” President Jagdeo concluded.
Guyana and China have enjoyed very friendly relations for over 30 years, and have generated several projects that have been or are in the process of being completed in Guyana, including the roll-on, roll-off ferry project, the co-generation facility at the new Skeldon sugar factory (which is expected to be completed shortly) and the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) transmission and distribution project that is being funded through the Export-Import Bank of China, and is likely to commence during this year.
Also, Guyana and China signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently that would see Government benefitting from a RMB$40M grant (approximately US$5.9M or $1.2B).
Earlier, the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Jungao, explained the significance of the Chinese New Year.
“The Chinese New Year, namely the Spring Festival, is the most important celebration for the Chinese people and has a rich mass festive culture which enjoys a long history of four thousand years,” he stated.
“During the festival, lanterns are displayed, lion dances are performed, red couplets are pasted, and crackers are fired. Among them, the family reunion on the Chinese New Year’s Eve is the most important event. The Chinese people, no matter how far away they are from their home, will try their best to go back home for the happy union.”
Ambassador Jungao also explained the meaning of the Year of the Tiger.
“ The tiger is the king of the jungle with awe-inspiring appearance and tough will. It represents strength and courage. The Chinese people usually use the image of the tiger to ward off evil spirits and pray for good luck.” (GINA)