Message from Senator The Honourable Kamina Johnson-smith
I am pleased to convey heartiest congratulations and warm greetings to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the Founding of your great nation. We therefore, join Chinese nationals at home and abroad- including Chinese nationals living here in Jamaica, as well as Chinesejamaicans - in commemorating another anniversary of China’s nationhood.
We are cognizant of the fact that this year’s celebrations are taking place at a time when countries across the world are beset with many challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the occasion presents the people of China, and indeed the world, with an opportunity to take note of the story of China’s steady growth and development and its aspirations for the future.
Indeed, China’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic is a demonstration of the indomitable spirit and innovative drive for which China is known. Notwithstanding the pandemic and the attendant social and economic challenges, China has consistently focused on building resilience and moving towards recovery. Commendably, China’s recovery has already begun as reflected in a recent 3.2% increase in real GDP for the April – June 2020 quarter.
The friendship between Jamaica and China dates back more than one hundred and fifty (150) years, largely on the strength of people-to-people relations. Those relations expanded with the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1972, Jamaica having been the first English speaking Caribbean country to recognise the People’s Republic of China and the ‘One China’ policy. Over the last 48 years, we have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership with China, as one of Jamaica’s most vibrant bilateral partners. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore, the importance of partnerships and collaboration to developing countries that have been particularly impacted, to build back their economies and societies. In this regard, there is much that we have accomplished with the support of China.
We have received support ranging from donations of critical medical supplies and equipment; training opportunities; information sharing; as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of Jamaican nationals in China. Donations have been made by the Government of China as well as Chinese enterprises and philanthropic organisations. Jamaica also wishes to highlight with appreciation, the efforts of the local Chinese community, and Chinese companies, who have made their own contributions in the national fight against COVID-19. Over the past year, Jamaica and China have also enjoyed fruitful cooperation in a wide range of areas. I was pleased to join the Prime Minister Holness last November on his Official Visit to China, which marked a new phase of strategic partnership. Our leaders reaffirmed a mutual desire to continue collaboration at the shared objectives, greater trade and investment opportunities and the well-being of our peoples.
I commend Ambassador Tian Qi for the integral role he played in the realisation of that Official Visit and in forging stronger and more dynamic engagement between our countries. The supportive role played by the Chinese Embassy has assisted in ensuring that, in spite of China’s own challenges due to the coronavirus, our differences in size and level of development, as well as the vast geographical distance between us, China’s friendship and support to Jamaica have remained steadfast.
The scope of our cooperation is wide, encompassing infrastructure, health, education, sports and culture. We remain committed to finding innovative ways to advance future cooperation and partnership initiatives beyond COVID-19.
We are keen to take up residence in our new Foreign Ministry building, which has already established itself as a landmark here in Kingston, standing out along the waterfront as well as against the Kingston skyline. Although the pandemic has pushed back our scheduled move-in-date, we expect to be in our new home very soon, in an environment that will facilitate better the execution of operations critical to our global interests.
In closing, I reaffirm the value that Jamaica accords to the friendship, cooperation and partnership it has enjoyed with China. With the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect, coupledwith a commitment to shared I commend Ambassador Tian Qi for the integral role he played in the realisation of that Official Visit and in forging stronger and more dynamic engagement between our countries. The supportive role played by the Chinese Embassy has assisted in ensuring that, in spite of China’s own challenges due to the coronavirus, our differences in size and level of development, as well as the vast geographical distance between us, China’s friendship and support to Jamaica have remained steadfast.
The scope of our cooperation is wide, encompassing infrastructure, health, education, sports and culture. We remain committed to finding innovative ways to advance future cooperation and partnership initiatives beyond COVID-19.
We are keen to take up residence in our new Foreign Ministry building, which has already established itself as a landmark here in Kingston, standing out along the waterfront as well as against the Kingston skyline. Although the pandemic has pushed back our scheduled move-in-date, we expect to be in our new home very soon, in an environment that will facilitate better the execution of operations critical to our global interests.
In closing, I reaffirm the value that Jamaica accords to the friendship, cooperation and partnership it has enjoyed with China. With the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect, coupledwith a commitment to shared prosperity and development, we are confident that the goal of win-win cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels will contribute to Jamaica’s efforts to recover stronger.
I extend my very best wishes for continued peace, development and prosperity for the people and Government of the People’s Republic of China. Happy 71st Anniversary!