– feat symbolic of strong Sino-CARICOM ties
THE LAUNCH at Expo Shanghai 2010 of a children’s book authored by a CARICOM national is symbolic of the strong cultural ties between China and many Member States of CARICOM, Secretary-General, Mr. Edwin Carrington said Friday.
‘The Emperor, His Bride and the Dragon Robe’, written by Trinidad and Tobago-born Lisa Sankar-Zhu, who now lives in China, was launched at the CARICOM Pavilion at Expo Shanghai 2010 Friday afternoon, according to a release from the Secretariat.
The release quotes Mr. Carrington as saying at the launch: “Over the years, the Government of China has expanded its cultural exchanges and cooperation programmes with countries in our Region, and today, CARICOM is able to reciprocate through a publication which brings together the creativity of the Caribbean and the legends and traditions of China.
“This is undoubtedly a tangible addition to Caribbean-China cultural relations. And how fitting it is that this book should be launched during Expo 2010 Shanghai, which brings together, people from all over the world.”
Though the book was set in ancient China, and was meant to reflect old customs, he said, it made an important juxtaposition to life’s morals and values which were highly treasured in every society today.
“While written with children in mind, I am confident that the book will also resonate with adults. It is not often that an author is able to span that bridge between child and adult and to achieve such an impact. It is to her credit that Ms. Sankar-Zhu has been able to do so, and in her first work at that,” the Secretary-General told the sizeable gathering.
Mr. Xu Bo, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Expo Bureau 2010, described the publication as “a wonderful book,” and urged the gathering to use the Exposition to help people understand each other in order to promote peace.
Telling her story in her native tongue and in Mandarin, Sankar-Zhu said the book had international appeal, and that though it was “just a fairy tale,” she hoped it would spark curiosity and a passion for Chinese culture.
According to the release, the book launch marked the Secretary-General Carrington’s first activity in Shanghai as Commissioner-General of Section.
He on Saturday participated in CARICOM National Honour Day Celebrations, which reportedly featured all-day activities, including the hoisting of the CARICOM Standard, remarks by President Bharrat Jagdeo, on behalf of the Community, grand cultural performances and visits to booths in the CARICOM Pavilion.