Contributions of Chinese hailed at commemoration of 150th anniversary of arrival
Stabroek News
January 13, 2003
Floral tributes commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese here were laid yesterday and China's Ambassador to Guyana, Song Tao, pledged to do all in his power to ensure continuing strong ties between the two countries.
The ambassador made this statement, while addressing a small gathering at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese in Guyana. The wreaths were laid at a 1986 plaque which marks the date of the arrival of the first indentured Chinese labourers aboard the S.S. Glentanner on January 12th, 1853.
The ambassador said, "On behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I want to thank Guyana for the hospitality, she has shown to us (Chinese) over the years. We indeed enjoy every moment working with your government and people and hope that this working relationship that we have developed will be sustained."
The ambassador noted that throughout the 150 years the Chinese have made significant progress, citing the many restaurants and other enterprises they have set up across the country.
"Since our arrival here we have made our marks on all sectors of the country and for that we are proud."
Tao also wished all Guyanese a prosperous New Year and to his fellow Chinese he urged that as they look forward to the new year, which according to Chinese calendar begins in February, they should think of other ways in which they can further develop themselves and at the same time contribute more to Guyana.
Deputising for Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Gail Texeira was Minister of Labour, Dale Bisnauth. In his address Bisnauth observed that being of Indian descent he could identify with the Chinese for both the Indians and Chinese were brought to Guyana as indentured labourers.
"I can identify with you today, for all of our foreparents came to this country by ships and to work on the sugar plantations."
He told the gathering that over the years, Chinese have played a very prominent role in the nurturing of the country and helping to make it what it is today.
"Our Chinese brothers and sisters are very valuable people to us Guyanese. They made valuable contributions to our cultural, political, economic and social affairs and for this we want to honour their presence in Guyana today," Bisnauth said.
Among those who were at the simple ceremony were Margery Kirkpatrick, President of the Chinese Association of Guyana, Vibert Choo-A-Fat and representatives of the Chinese Embassy and other organisations.
