President Ramotar, PM Hinds join Chinese celebrations
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds joined Chinese Ambassador Yu Wenzhe at the National Park on Sunday, along with hundreds of Guyanese and Chinese, to usher in the Chinese New Year 2012, Year of the Dragon.
At the inaugural Chinese New Year Fair to be held in Guyana, spectators and dignitaries were treated to the traditional Dragon Dance and other cultural displays, to mark the auspicious occasion.
The venue was filled with smiling faces, all eager to witness the Lion and Dragon dances, traditionally done, as well as the thrilling Tai Chi exhibition.
In his remarks to the gathering, the Head of State acknowledged the invaluable contributions made by the Chinese since their arrival here, 160 years ago, to the development of the unique Guyanese culture.
He recalled that it was a company owned by a Chinese businessman that offered the first scholarship to a student of the University of Guyana, recognising the value of education to the development of Guyana.
President Ramotar recalled, too, that, collectively, the Chinese in Guyana have had to “brave difficulties” in maintaining their culture and said their effort has been worthwhile, because, today, what they contributed are manifested in the diversity of the nation’s customs.
“It has strengthened Guyana,” he acknowledged.
President Ramotar also reminded that this country has produced many prominent and successful sons and daughters of Chinese ancestry and he encouraged those in the audience to embrace the opportunities that the event provides for interaction and meaningful exchanges, as the two countries advance along the path of progress and prosperity.
Ambassador Yu extended New Year greetings to the entire nation and expressed the hope that the Chinese Fair will be a continuous event to bolster the exchange of culture.
He explained that the year is symbolic of togetherness, love and happiness with the hosting of a fair as one of the main highlights on the Chinese calendar.
Executive Member of the local Chinese Association, Mrs. Margery Kirkpatrick concurred on the import of the Chinese contribution to the formation of the Guyanese society today, beginning with the work of the first President of the Republic of Guyana, the late Mr. Arthur Chung.
The fair, organised by the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown, also offered patrons the chance to sample Chinese-made products and services provided by reputable Chinese-owned businesses and affiliates, including Long Hi Centre, China Trading, China Railway First Group and Jialing, among others.
Another significant part of the celebrations at the National Park was the Floating Lantern Ceremony.
In Chinese tradition, dragon is the symbol of nobleness, peace, luck and success and President Ramotar, Head of State took the opportunity to wish the people of both China and Guyana progress and prosperity in the Year of the Dragon.
That celebration takes place not just in China but among the Chinese Diaspora in other East Asian nations, including Thailand and Vietnam.
At midnight yesterday, Chinese people around the world were welcoming the Year of the Dragon and the celebration culminates on the 15th day with the Lantern Festival, on that night of the full moon, when families mingle in the streets carrying lighted lanterns, creating beautiful light displays.