…President hails ties between Guyana, China
…salutes President Arthur Chung as outstanding citizen

“China is a serious contributor to Guyana’s development “

Those were the words of President David Granger when he addressed a gathering at a simple ceremony which marked the handing over of the refurbished Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal.

Among those gathered at the event were: Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, Chinese ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun officials of the Chinese embassy and relatives of the late Former President Arthur Chung. The Guyanese leader noted that the two countries will continue to work together in various areas including investments in the local economy in international trade and the information communications technology sector.

President Granger expressed appreciation to the government of the Peoples’ Republic China

for sustained support to Guyana, noting that the refurbished centre will ensure that the contributions of Late Former President Chung, Guyanese of Chinese origin and of China will be remembered and sustained. ”It will remain a monument for the unbreakable bonds of history and a symbol of the friendship between our two republics,” the President said.

He said the facility pays tribute to a patriot and public servant, as he reminded the audience that the late former president was an outstanding citizen, being the first Guyanese President of Chinese ancestry.

Minister Hughes during her address to the gathering stated that facility was refurbished at a cost of US$7M which was shouldered by the Chinese Government. The facility boasts new features. These include a refurbished main conference hall equipped with new systems and interpretation booths. It has video tracking capabilities, a superior public address system, video conferencing equipment and new Wifi equipment that makes it an internet hot-spot. The main conference hall now has a seating capacity of 500 persons and the conference rooms also have increased seating facilities.

The ACCC now has a computer lab, with 20 internet-ready computers and can be utilised for computer literacy training and also as media centre for events. The rehabilitation works included the repaving of the interior and external flooring including terraces stairs and water-pools. Ambassador Jianchun told the gathering that the undertaking by the Chinese to refurbish the facility is a testimony of China’s commitment to Guyana.

He expressed hope that the facility will be maintained and operated properly in the years ahead. He also noted that the government has shown its commitment to the Chinese community here. He said the governments of the two republics can work together in future in a number of collaborations.

This year Guyana celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of President Chung. He was born at Windsor Forest on the West Coast of Demerara on January 10, 1918 to Chinese immigrants. He served as President from 1970-1980.