Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Marvin Dames said that he was honoured and delighted to be a part of the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.

“Seventy years is indeed a monumental milestone,” Minister Dames said at a reception at the British Colonial Hilton, September 26, 2019. “In these 70 years, China has seen much growth and development which is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of its people.

“The Government and people of The Bahamas are honoured to be celebrating such a momentous occasion with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nassau this evening.”

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to The Bahamas His Excellency Huang Qinguo and his wife Madame Zheng Chuncao hosted the event. Among those in attendance were Governor-General His Excellency the Most Honourable Cornelius A. Smith; Acting Prime Minister the Hon. K. Peter Turnquest; Leader of the Official Opposition the Hon. Philip Davis; Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Mr. I. Chester Cooper; several Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and the Senate; Speaker of the House Assembly the Hon. D. Halson Moultrie; Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Brian M. Moree, QC; Members of the Judiciary and other senior government officials.

Minister Dames pointed out that on May 23rd of that year, The Bahamas and China celebrated 22 years of “close and cordial” diplomatic relations. In that time, he said, the relations had continued to deepen and strengthen.

“This is particularly demonstrated with our increased trade and successful joint projects, people-to-people endeavours and encounters, as well as through mutual support of efforts in international fora such as the United Nations,” he said. “Furthermore, as part of the Caribbean regional relations, The Bahamas continues its dialogue with China within the framework of the Caribbean-China Consultations and Economic and Trade Co-operation Forum.”

Minister Dames said that the Government and people of The Bahamas, moreover, welcomed the many benefits extended by the Government of China, in the form of technical assistance, cultural exchanges, project development, and economic co-operation.

“This past week saw a high-level visit to our Capital by the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Dr Cai Dafeng and his delegation, during which they were able to meet with the Hon. D. Halson Moultrie, Speaker of the House Assembly, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Peter Turnquest, where discussions centred on ways to strengthen parliamentary and other mutual ties between the two countries,” Minister Dames said.

“The Vice-Chairman and delegation were also able to see the product of the educational and cultural co-operation between our countries, through the visit to the Confucius Institute at The University of The Bahamas; as well as visits a few of our popular tourist sites in the capital.”

Minister Dames said that the depth of the friendship between the People’s Republic of China and The Bahamas was further demonstrated through the “very generous” donation to the relief efforts following the devastating passage of Hurricane Dorian.

“For this and for the thoughtful expressions of sorrow to the Government and people of The Bahamas, I extend a sincere thank you on their behalf,” he said.

Minster Dames added that, on a happier note, that same day also marked a day of bilateral celebration, as the two countries earlier signed The Agreement between The Government of the People’s Republic of China and The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Relating to Civil Air Transportation, at the 40th Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly in Montreal.

“This agreement will serve to further strengthen our bilateral relations and our civil aviation co-operation, and, hopefully, allow more tourists from China to follow in the footsteps of Dr Cai,” he pointed out.

Minister Dames said that the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas appreciated the continued co-operation with the People’s Republic of China and looked forward to strengthening the friendship and co-operation that existed between the two Countries.

“I accompany the Hon. Darren A. Henfield, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in expressing continued peace, health, and prosperity to you, Excellency, and to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the celebration of this, your National Day,” he said.

Scenes from the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held on September 26, 2019, at the British Colonial Hilton.

(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)