RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BARBADOS-CHINA FRIENDSHIP HELD TODAY

The Association for Barbados-China Friendship (ABCF) celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special reception that brought together key stakeholders from both nations to reflect on the growing bilateral partnership. The prestigious gathering attracted top media executives from Advo Magazine, The Nation newspaper, Government Information Service (GIS), Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the ABCF, representatives from Chinese companies in Barbados, and the Vice President of Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology.

The event featured five (5) significant speeches highlighting the deepening bilateral relations between Barbados and China, showcasing achievements across diplomatic, medical, and infrastructure development sectors.

In his address, Chargé d’Affaires, Counselor Huang Xinhua noted that 2024 marks the 47th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The relationship has flourished under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, with ABCF playing a crucial role since its 2019 establishment in fostering people-to-people connections.

Mr. Tyson. Henry, Chief Information Officer at GIS, spoke passionately on behalf of the media, highlighting the benefits of the China Barbados friendship, and how it continues to give much-needed, technical training and support to journalist and people of Barbados. Mr. Henry went on to highlight that if we have ever needed friendship before given the state of the world, we need it now. Dr. Delisle Worrell, President of the ABCF, spoke of the group, its formation, successes, and continued efforts as the group and friendship continues to grow.

The Chinese medical team lead of the 7th medical delegation to Barbados, Dr Ao Meng, revealed that seven medical teams comprising 61 personnel have served in Barbados, providing consultations to more than 43,200 patients. These teams have conducted 1,520 surgeries and participated in 1,044 critical care interventions. They have also introduced 177 new medical techniques across various specialties, including nuclear medicine, orthopedics, vascular surgery, and anesthesiology, while training 4,061 local healthcare professionals.

Mr. Wu Weizhong, Manager of the Construction Technology Team for the cChina aid Hope Agricultural Training Institute Project

Barbados President Sandra Mason’s letter of appreciation was shared during the event, acknowledging the medical team’s high level of professionalism and dedication to their work. The medical cooperation has significantly enhanced healthcare delivery in Barbados, with Chinese medical professionals serving as both healthcare providers and trainers for local medical staff.