“Year of the Rat brings luck and blessing for Suriname”

“The Year of the Rat brings luck and blessing for Suriname. It characterizes selfconfidence and honesty and that is why we are celebrating the start of this New Year together. This year brings luck and blessing for Suriname and that is why we intent on passing this year in peace, friendship and love,” said Vice President Ashwin Adhin at the Happy Spring Festival that was held at the Independence Square on Saturday night. VP Adhin pointed out that now more than ever Suriname and China are growing closer to each other and that there is a strong collaboration relation between both nations. “The president’s visit to China last year confirms that the plans of both countries are aimed at making sure that the strong historical tie between both countries to keep. Earlier on that day President Desi Bouterse also mentioned good fortune and blessings for Suriname in the Year of the Rat while attending a lunch in Kong Ngie Tong Sang. The president referred to the transition of ownership of the Afobakadam at the start of 2020 and the discovery of oil in Block 58 by Apache near the coast of Suriname. “There is more in store for us in the coming period. The country will experience a lot of progress and development,” said the head of state who added that the country also makes progress when it comes to strengthening the ties with China. “Suriname is the only country where the Chinese New Year is a national holiday and this makes us unique. We are a small country but big in building bridges between cultures and geographical areas,” said President Bouterse. Various activities were held on Saturday .

Acrobats who are members of the Hangzhou Art Troupe who had travelled all the way to Suriname from China gave a magnificent show at the Independence Square. The Temple Fair and the Chinese in Me exhibition were held at the old flag square. The celebrations were concluded with a fireworks show. The fireworks that colored the sky above the Wijdenbosch Bridge could be seen all the way from the Waterkant and the surrounding area.