Chinese head home after hurricane
Relief, gratitude show as planes leave for Shanghai
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — China Eastern Airlines crew members greeted Chinese nationals who had been transferred to St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, in the West Indies with a warm “Welcome home!” as two chartered planes landed at V.C. Bird International Airport.
After Hurricane Maria devastated the Caribbean island of Dominica, 377 of the more than 400 Chinese who found shelter are finally getting a ride home.
Chen Gang jun, 48, had been doing construction work in Dominica as part of an assistance project carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corp.
“Many of our fellow workers woke up very early and came to the canteen at 4 am, much earlier than usual . ... Everybody is very excited and eager to go home. They couldn’t bear waiting anymore,” Chen said. “I shared the feeling, and I don’t feel tired at all.”
Sun Haojie, director of a Chinese agricultural aid program in Dominica, waited to board with his wife and their 2-year-old son.
“I really want to express my gratitude for our motherland. Without the combined efforts of so many departments, we would not be able to return home in such a short period of time,” Sun said.
“My son seems to understand the good news, too. He is particularly excited this morning — I just hope he will not be troubled by the long flight.”
Meanwhile, the 64 China Eastern Airlines crew members had also prepared for the flight, which will take them over 19 countries. The total round trip is about 35,000 kilometers, said Guo Wanqing, one of the chief pilots in command. “We might not be able to send you to all the places around the world, but we have the ability to bring you back home when you are in trouble, wherever you are.”
Embarking on the journey back home, relief and anticipation were clearly written on the faces of the formerly stranded Chinese. Everyone was holding a small national flag. Among them, a passenger held a sign saying “CCECC worker, gratitude toward the motherland”.
Antigua and Barbuda also played a crucial role in helping the Chinese embassy get in touch with and transport Chinese displaced by the earlier Hurricane Irma.
Anthony Liverpool, director general of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and International Trade, said: “It was very easy for us to extend a helping hand in time of need to the people of China,” he said. “This is something that we think friends should do for friends.”
The two planes were scheduled to arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Sunday night, as Chinese people celebrate double holidays — National Day and MidAutumn Day — which happen to coincide this year.