Antigua Immigration focus on Antigua Updates: On September 16, 2014, the Embassy of China in Antigua and Barbuda held a reception to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over 200 guests attended the event, including Governor-General Williams, Prime Minister Browne, Senate President Williams-Grant, Speaker of the House Watt, Leader of the Opposition Spencer, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernandez, Minister of Tourism Michael, Minister of Works Lake, Minister of Education Michael Browne, Minister of Social Transformation Marshall, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance Weston, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Sports James, Chief of Defence Staff Thomas, Commissioner of Police Browne, and other senior officials of Antigua and Barbuda, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises, overseas Chinese, and the media. Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Ren Gongping, Prime Minister Browne, and Governor-General Williams delivered speeches respectively.
Ambassador Ren reviewed the glorious achievements China has made in economic development and national construction over the past 65 years, stating that while developing itself, China also provides a continuous impetus for global economic growth. Although China and Antigua and Barbuda have different national conditions, they share the same starting point: improving people's living standards, building a strong nation, and enabling the people to realize their dreams through development. China is willing to work with all sectors in Antigua and Barbuda to join hands and support each other to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.
In his speech, Prime Minister Browne first congratulated China on its 65th National Day and happily recalled his recently concluded visit to China, expressing his gratitude for the thoughtful and meticulous arrangements made by the Chinese side during his visit. Browne stated that the development of Antigua-China relations has been rapid and fruitful, benefiting the people of both countries. He will continue to support the friendship between Antigua and China and make greater contributions to the in-depth development of bilateral relations.
On behalf of the people of Antigua and Barbuda, Governor-General Williams expressed gratitude for the assistance and support provided by China for the national construction of Antigua and Barbuda, and expressed his willingness to work with Ambassador Ren and the Chinese Embassy to further enhance the friendship between the two peoples and promote the in-depth development of bilateral relations.
The reception was filled with wonderful performances and reached a climax as Chinese-funded institutions and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Band performed excellent programs. Representatives of Antiguan students who have studied in China showcased their talents, reciting Chinese poems they had composed themselves and presenting calligraphy written with a brush pen that read "Happy National Day" to the guests. Prime Minister Browne also enthusiastically joined the students in writing the character "Friendship" (You) with a brush pen, expressing his wish to develop China-Antigua relations and enhance the friendship between the two peoples, which drew thunderous applause.
The carefully arranged photo exhibition at the venue comprehensively displayed the glorious achievements made since the founding of New China, leaving the guests lingering and full of praise.
Antigua and Barbuda's national television station, ABS, broadcast the reception live, and local media such as The Observer, The Caribbean Times, and The News Weekly all sent reporters to cover the event.