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President hails Chinese cultural revival in Guyana – at inaugural Chinese New Year Fair

Georgetown, GINA, January 23, 2012
Source - GINA

The Lion Dance being performed at the first ever Chinese New Year Fair in Guyana

The colourful aspects of the Chinese culture were showcased in front of a large Guyanese audience this afternoon when the inaugural Chinese New Year Fair was hosted on the tarmac of the National Park.

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar joined Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yu Wenzhe and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the packed venue to witness the Lion Dance, modelling, dance and martial arts.

The fair, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, marked the occasion of the Chinese New Year, “the Year of the Dragon,” and also offered patrons the opportunity to sample Chinese-made products and services manufactured by reputable Chinese-owned businesses and affiliates including Long Hi Centre, China Trading, China Railway first group, Jailing Motorcycles and Wimax.

President Donald Ramotar speaking at the Chinese New Year Fair in the National Park



A brief history of the celebration was given by Ambassador Wenzhe who explained that the year is symbolic of togetherness, love and happiness with the hosting of a fair as one of the main highlights.



He said that in China, to mark the occasion friends and family would converge at one location to enjoy a cultural performance, traditional food, art and craft. Given that today’s event is a first in Guyana, he expressed the hope that it becomes an annual feature.

Models at the Chinese New Year Fair



President Ramotar commended the Chinese nationals in Guyana for organising the event with the support from the Chinese Association of Guyana and hailed the long and productive bilateral relations Guyana holds with China.



“We have a long history and link with China; the first Chinese having come here 160 years ago… they have made a tremendous contribution braving a lot of difficulties in maintaining some of their culture. Fortunately today we are seeing a revival of that to add to our multi-ethnic, multi-racial multi-cultural society” President Ramotar said.



President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar join Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Yvonne Hinds and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yu Wenzhe in a toast at the Chinese New Year Fair



President Ramotar said that tonight’s showcase fuses with the rich cultural diversity of Guyana



The Head of State was also proud of the fact that many of the Guyanese who have made their mark in history are those of Chinese ancestry, referring earlier to sentiments made about the first executive President Arthur Chung.



President Donald Ramotar with a group of Chinese performers at the Chinese New Year Fair

The President went back in history, recalling that it was a company owned by a Chinese businessman that offered the first scholarship to a student of the University of Guyana, recognizing the value of education to the development of Guyana.

The releasing of lanterns that illuminated the night skies was among the highlights of the cultural evening.

The Chinese who arrived as indentured immigrants to Guyana in 1853 have made their mark in the medical field, commerce, mining, politics, music and education.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

At lest there is some hope in Guyana. The Chinese seed has been planted I only expect it to provide plenty of fruit so this country can stop being a stupid country where people only speak English.
FM

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