“You have made your mark on Guyana’s development” – PM Nagamootoo

─167^th anniversary of Arrival of Chinese to Guyana observed

─Sod turned for memorial to be erected at Windsor Forest

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, January 12, 2020

The Government in collaboration with the Chinese Association of Guyana celebrated the 167^th anniversary of the Arrival of Chinese to Guyana with the turning of the sod for the Chinese Memorial to be erected at Windsor Forest, Region Three.

Prime Minister Honorable 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 167^th 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.”

Prime Minister Hon Moses Nagamootoo delivering remarks at the 167th Anniversary of the Arrival of Chinese in Guyana.

His Excellency Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana delivering his remarks.

Prime Minister Hon. Moses Nagamootoo and Chinese Ambassador HE Cui Jianchun turning the sod for the erection of the Chinese Memorial at Windsor Forest.

Government Ministers, Diplomatic Corps, Guyanese Chinese among others at the commemoration ceremony.

Some of the cultural pieces at the commemoration ceremony.

Some of the cultural pieces at the commemoration ceremony.

“Guyana is now going places and, on this day, I want to pay tribute to the Chinese ancestors, for their sacrifices and to their offspring who have stayed through…”  the Prime Minister told the guests gathered at the La Jalousie/Nouvelle Flanders NDC, for the commemoration ceremony.

He reminded that one of the first acts by His Excellency President David Granger on the assumption to office in 2015 was the designation of January 12 as Chinese Arrival Day in memory and honour of the arrival of Chinese to these shores.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo made special mention of the work of the Chinese Medical Brigade which has been providing crucial medical service for some 26 years in Guyana 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 in partnership with the administration.

“You have made your mark in the development and the prosperity of Guyana”, the Prime Minister said.

His Excellency 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 explained that the Guyana-China relationship is healthy and with steady improvements, cooperation will continue to deepen. 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. Ambassador Jianchun stated positively that “in 2020 China will continue to support ventures in Guyana, we will work together for the betterment of both people.”