Volume No. 2 Issue No. 33 - Monday March 24, 2008
Eden, with boiling lakes
Primie Minister Skerrit toasts four years of diplomatic relations with China.
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Coincidentally, we gather in celebration of the fourth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China during a period of profound significance to Christians in Dominica and the rest of the world.
This period is known as “Holy Week”, a week when the faithful revisit and reflect on the suffering death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Christians regard these events as the defining moments of salvation history, as the resurrection of Christ signified not only his triumph over death but ushered in for humankind the invitation to enjoy newness of life through and in the name of, Jesus.
The establishment of full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China four years ago was encouraged by the Christian teaching of the brotherhood of man, as much as it was by considerations that would advance the mutual interests and development of our peoples.
It is therefore with profound feelings of respect, gratitude and continuing great expectations that I rise to address you on the occasion of this significant anniversary of the relationship between our two countries.
Notwithstanding our differences in geography, nature and demography, there are global economic and market forces at work that have the potential to have devastating effects on the quality of life of citizens of both our countries and those of other developing and underdeveloped countries.
Your great country China now has to contend with the negative impacts of the high and increasing cost of fuel on your economic growth and on the cost of living of your countrymen.
This situation has been aggravated by natural disasters that have caused the loss of lives of many of your citizens and set back some of your regional development plans. For you, like us here in Dominica, these events pose a formidable challenge in ensuring that we maintain favourable conditions for our nationals to continue to have access to the basic necessities of life at costs that are reasonable.
The issue of building a just and equitable society in which citizens will be provided with the means to develop to their full human potential and that of creating an environment in which nations, regardless of size can sit round the table as equals, will surely form the core of future dialogue between the Government of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2004, Dominica/China relations have been exemplary. China has assisted greatly in our efforts to maintain sustainable growth and equitable distribution of conditions for a reasonable standard of living for all Dominicans.
These relations have been characterized by fundamental principles of mutual respect, respect for sovereignty and non–interference in each other’s internal affairs, all key principles of Dominica’s foreign policy. I will continue to reiterate that in advancing the development of its people, Dominica will seek the support of trustworthy friends from around the world. China has proven that it is indeed a trustworthy friend.
Dominicans are now knowledgeable on the progress made with the Four Pillar Projects committed by the People’s Republic of China upon the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Having successfully completed the Windsor Park Stadium (a magnificent emblem of cooperation) and the first phase of the Dominica Grammar School, efforts are proceeding positively on the construction of the West Coast road and the completion of the second phase of the Grammar school. Preliminary discussions have also begun on the rehabilitation of the Princess Margaret Hospital.
We are also very pleased for the additional approval of the Carib Territory Housing Project and the construction of the Newtown Primary School which are due to commence soon. These two projects are outside the remit of the original Four Pillar Projects.
Within our bilateral relations, Dominica also received grant aid which was used for much needed development projects in several communities on the island.
Despite the significance of this level of support, what is indeed gratifying, is the people to people exchanges that have complimented these projects and tightened the bonds of friendship between our two countries. Both countries have exchanged delegations at all levels. I am told that 110 Dominican officials have visited China while our student population there now stands at 56.
In this regard, special note must be made of the several Dominican Private Sector companies that have submitted business proposals to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Guangdong Province in China following the visit of Mr. Fu Lang, Director General of Foreign Affairs and his delegation in December 2007.
The Government of Dominica is presently holding preliminary discussions with a Chinese Private Sector firm for urban infrastructural development under an initiative developed by the Government of China to encourage investment by the Chinese Private Sector in the Caribbean Region. This spells hope for the real integration of our two peoples.
At the level of international diplomacy, Dominica continues its collaboration and support for the People’s Republic of China on all matters in areas of mutual interest. In this regard Dominica will continue to reiterate its unwavering support for the one-China Principle and the promotion of the peaceful reunification of all of China.
We will also continue to monitor key developments within the United Nations and its agencies and other international fora, with a view to advancing the programmes that best foster the development of our peoples.
China is playing an increasingly important role in the world economy and a growing role in global political issues. China’s relations with the Caribbean have evolved significantly and are of great importance to the region.
The China-Caribbean Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum creates avenues for fields of cooperation and will enable Caribbean countries to implement and finance projects for their countries.
Two big events are on the table for China: Olympics 2008 and World Expo Shanghai 2010. The Government of Dominica remains pleased to accept the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China to Expo 2010, which will no doubt offer tremendous opportunities for promotion of culture and further develop cooperation.
We are pleased to endorse the formation of the Steering Committee of the Dominica-China Friendship Association and wish His Worship Cecil Joseph, Mayor of Roseau, the other members of the Steering Committee and the general membership, every success. We pledge the government’s support in assisting in whatever way possible.
On behalf of my Government and on my own behalf, may I wish, Happy New Year, (February 7, 2008) – The Year of the Rat! to all Chinese here and to the Government and People of the PRC.
This remarkable period from March 23, 2004 to March 2008 gives me every confidence that Dominica/China relations will witness further progress in all fields of mutual interest. I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and that of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica for the tremendous support given by the People’s Republic of China during the period under review.
Please extend my appreciation and good wishes to your President H.E. HU Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabo.
We are convinced that momentum achieved thus far will serve our two countries well into the future.
Long live Dominica-China relations!
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