Sod turned for monument to arrival of Chinese

Government Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Guyanese Chinese among others at the commemoration ceremony.  (DPI photo)
Government Ministers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and Guyanese Chinese among others at the commemoration ceremony. (DPI photo)

The Government in collaboration with the Chinese Association of Guyana yesterday celebrated the 167th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Guyana with the turning of the sod for a monument to be erected at Windsor Forest, Region Three.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) said that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during his remarks noted the numerous contributions made by the Chinese indentured labourers and their descendants to the country’s development.

“Today is a very historic day when we observe the 167th anniversary of the arrival of the first batch of Chinese to Guyana. You may be small in numbers but you are significant in Guyana for your contribution to the economy, business, music, sports, law and in politics”, Nagamootoo said.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (left) and Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun turning the sod for the erection of the Chinese Monument at Windsor Forest. (DPI photo)

Nagamootoo made special mention of the work of the Chinese Medical Brigade which has been providing crucial medical service for some 26 years here and also highlighted the many contributions that are presently being undertaken in areas of infrastructure, and ICT among other sectors by the government of China.

Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, noted that over the last 167 years Chinese have been working hard and forging forward in “this land of many waters.” The Ambassador said that the Guyana-China relationship is healthy and with steady improvements, cooperation will continue. He also related that in 2019 the Chinese government provided scholarships to 120 Guyanese to pursue studies as well as provided training in various fields for another 120 Guyanese. The ambassador stated that “in 2020 China will continue to support ventures in Guyana, we

Drums and cymbals lent a Chinese flare (DPI photo)

will work together for the betterment of both people.”