PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo has hailed the invaluable contributions made by each of the six ethnic groups that constitute the Guyanese nation to the transformation process of Guyana, as the Chinese Association of Guyana celebrated the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese women here.
The Head of State was at the time attending an exhibition hosted by the Association showcasing 150 years of contributions by Chinese women to Guyana. The exhibition is part of a five-day calendar of activities that included field trips and church services, among other activities.

President Jagdeo, in his remarks, included the role of the Chinese with the other five ethnic groups, but made specific reference to the special role Chinese women played in the society.
“It’s incredible that the Chinese have not only focused on elements of their culture and celebrating that culture, but they recognise the special role that Chinese women have in transforming our society,” President Jagdeo said.

On March 11, 1860, the fifth vessel to undertake the voyage from China to British Guiana arrived at Port Georgetown with a cargo that included 372 persons, of which 56 were women.
This marked the first batch of Chinese immigrants that included women, even though Chinese immigration to British Guiana started on January 12, 1853.(GINA)