~ Chinese Association donates $2,500 to students ~
COLE BAY--Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams has asked Chinese Ambassador based in Antigua and Barbuda Liu Hanming to express St. Maarten's desire to strengthen ties with China.
The prime minister's remarks were made during Sunday's celebrations to mark the 62nd Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival at Rockhouse Port de Plaisance.
She said this was not the first time St. Maarten had indicated its interest in strengthening ties with China, but noted that the interest was now being expressed in the context of St. Maarten's new constitutional status as a country.
"The government of China is doing a lot in the Caribbean region ... and we believe that St. Maarten would also like to be part of that development and relationship," she said.
Sunday's celebrations included a number of colourful performances by St. Maarten-based Chinese nationals. One of the highlights of the evening was the St. Maarten Chinese Association's presentation of a US $2,500 cheque to Education Minister Dr. Rhoda Arrindell to turn over to five underprivileged students ? one each of five secondary schools. The foundation said this gesture was in support of education and to motivate youngsters to pursue academic excellence.
The Chinese Ambassador also presented US $2,500 to the local Chinese Association. He said the funds were to aid in the association's development.
In brief remarks after accepting the cheque, Arrindell said she was impressed that the foundation was doing its part to motivate students to excel in their studies, as they were the future of St. Maarten as indicated in the Association's invitation letter to Arrindell.
"Excellence is indeed the touchstone of my policy," Arrindell said. "Excellence is what has brought China to where it is today, a major world power, not only militarily, but economically as well."
She said China was one of the most ancient cultures on the face of the earth. "It is also the most populous nation in the world. Last year China became the second largest economy in the world after the US and ahead of Japan. It also became the world's largest exporter. ..."
Hanming told the capacity-filled Rockhouse Restaurant that China had recorded great achievements, had become an influential power and had made great contributions to the economies of the world.
He said the St. Maarten Chinese Association had been formed in April 2010. He urged the association to work on promoting the Chinese culture. He also expressed hope that St. Maarten-based Chinese would work in harmony with the local community.
St. Maarten Chinese Association President Steven Huang also delivered remarks at the ceremony, which was attended by a cross section of the community, including President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell, Ministers Theo Heyliger, Hiro Shigemoto and Cornelius de Weever, and representatives of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The People's Republic of China was proclaimed 62 years ago, on October 1, 1949.
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