– joins in welcoming the Year of the Horse
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on Sunday evening reflected nostalgically on the long-standing friendship between Guyana and China, saying such a feat is indeed cause to celebrate, as rather than wane over the decades, the bond they share has grown even stronger.

Addressing invitees to the annual dinner held at the Chinese Association hall on lower Brickdam, to ring in another New Year in the Chinese calendar, President Ramotar said the decision by the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to support the Chinese Communist Party, no matter the circumstances, showed great foresight, since China has developed at such a rapid pace over the ensuing years it has not only surprised many a world power and their leaders, but is now considered a superpower itself.
Touching on China’s unstinting sectoral support to Guyana throughout the years, President Ramotar said Chinese investments will always be welcome, once they are within the ambit of local laws. “These investments will prove to be very important in the future to our country,” he said.
In response, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Zhang Limin also commended Guyana for its many achievements over the years, saying that both economically and socially, it has been developing at a rapid pace itself.
Noting that the friendship between the two countries still has a long way to go, Mr Zhang said China will continue to contribute to Guyana’s development thrust in whatever way it can.
President of the Chinese Association, Mr Shiloning Chow said it was indeed an honour to celebrate the start of another year with members of the organisation, and seized the opportunity to thank the Ministry of Home Affairs for its assistance with regard to security concerns and immigration matters.
Chow said that in addition to the hosting of its traditional cultural fair, among other plans the Association has for the year ahead is to continue rendering assistance to the various local orphanages, and to teach the various Chinese dialects to interested persons, and English to Chinese newcomers to Guyana.
Celebrations usually begin on the eve of the Chinese New Year. The lunar calendar is based upon the cycles of the moon and has 12 animals, one to represent each year of the lunisolar cycle.
At Chinese New Year, people traditionally wear red clothes, and give children “lucky money” sealed in red envelopes. The colour red symbolises fire to drive away bad luck.
To mark the holiday, families typically reunite and gather at each other’s homes to celebrate and eat together. It is also traditional for households to thoroughly cleanse the house to sweep away ill fortune, and make way for good luck; to decorate windows and doors with red paper-cuts; and to light firecrackers.
Festivities often continue until the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Red paper lanterns are hung across houses and in streets. (GINA)