Government Information Service

by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service

March 23rd, 2009 marked five years since Dominica established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Chinese President, Hu Jintao and the President of Dominica, His Excellency Dr. Nicholas J. Liverpool, exchanged congratulatory messages on Monday, March 23, 2009 to mark the observe the occasion on the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

As part of activities to observe the occasion, a commemorative stamp was unveiled at a cocktail held on Monday 23rd March, 2009 at the Dominica State House. Among those in attendance were President Nicholas Liverpool and Mrs. Liverpool, Hon. Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, His Excellency, Deng Boqing, Chinese Ambassador to Dominica, members of the diplomatic corps and other top Government Officials.

President Liverpool, in his congratulatory message, spoke of the healthy relationship between the two countries.

"I extend sincere good wishes and congratulations to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the fifth (5th) Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the People’s Republic of China and the Commonwealth of Dominica has enjoyed fruitful bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the political, trade, economic and cultural fields. The Government of Dominica treasures its friendship with the People’s Republic of China very highly, and will continue to work with the Chinese Government to further strengthen and enhance the existing bonds of cooperation between our two countries.”

In his congratulatory remarks sent to President Liverpool, President Hu Jintao described the relationship between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China as cordial and complimented Dominica’s commitment to the one China policy.

“The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Dominica opened a new chapter in our bilateral relations. Over the past five (5) years, thanks to concerted efforts of both sides, our two countries have had productive dialogue, exchanges and cooperation and made new progress in the political, economic and trade, cultural, educational, public health and other fields. China-Dominica relations have demonstrated good momentum of sound growth. The Chinese side appreciates Dominica’s commitment to the one China policy and its vigorous efforts to grow its relations with China.”

President Jintao went on to pledge further deepening of relations between the two countries.

“China values its friendship with Dominica and stands ready to further expand exchanges and cooperation with Dominica in all areas and work together to advance the bilateral relations and friendly cooperation featuring long-term stability, equality and mutual benefits.”

In his address at the ceremony, Prime Minister Skerrit spoke of the importance of marking the anniversary. Even as the world economic crisis has hit many of Dominica’s traditional allies forcing them to withdraw support, China has stood firm in its commitment to Dominica.

“We live in an era of nationalism and individualism, where countries and individuals around the world are focused on individual survival; where long-standing allies can be forgiven for saying; “sorry, but the vagaries of our domestic economic challenges demand that we look and focus inward at this time”. Small nations like Dominica would understand and easily forgive an individual, establishment or entity, including a sovereign nation that said to us today “the global economic situation is so impacting us that we can no longer honour obligations we made, in good faith, five years ago”.

To date, that has been the honest but unfortunate posture of many of Dominica’s traditional allies. We understand their experiences and we commiserate with them. But, it is also in light of those realities, that, tonight we draw closer to and celebrate, with an even greater sense of pride and purpose, the demonstrated commitment of the People’s Republic of China to strengthening its friendship and cooperation with countries such as Dominica, at this particular time.

Your Excellency, I take note of the reassurances of friendship and cooperation of your country, and on behalf of the Government and people of Dominica, I wish to express our heartfelt appreciation. As I said earlier, your government could easily have “looked the other way” at this time.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, not only has China not retreated from its commitments, but it is constantly exploring ways and means of strengthening cooperation between our countries.”

More of the Prime Minister’s address can be found on the GIS website under the addresses section.

Some of the major projects funded by the Chinese Government includes the Windsor Park National Stadium, the new Dominica Grammar School, electrification of parts of the Carib Territory, the Hillsborough Horticulture Center, donations to several primary schools on the island, training of police officers in China, budgetary contributions, donation of over one hundred (100) computers, provision of health experts and sixty-six (66) scholarships to students to study in China

A Cultural Week of activities has been planned for the Dominica-China Friendship from the 21st to 27th of March, 2009. Among the activities are: exhibition on Chinese movies on the 21st, 22nd and 24th of March at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.