The Chinese Government has made a donation of technology equipment to Barbados.
This morning, the Government of the People’s Republic of China handed over 45 laptops, 35 desktops, and 10 tablets produced by top Chinese IT companies, to Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson.
The majority of the equipment would be going to the Government Industrial School.
During the handing over ceremony which took place at the Chinese Embassy this morning, on the Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve, Ambassador Yan Xiusheng said the equipment could support capacity building, help Barbadians catch up with the rapid development of today’s digital world and bridge the digital gap with more and easier access to internet and advanced technology.
Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson (right), going through the features of one of the laptops donated to Barbados by the Chinese government, as Chinese Ambassador Yan Xiusheng (left), and Principal of the Government Industrial School Erwin Leacock look on.
The Ambassador also said that China and Barbados have always remained friends and close partnership since the establishment of diplomatic relations 42 years ago, and noted that in recent years, the level of friendly relationships between China and Barbados was reaching its best period in history in all aspects.
“In the meantime, China always stands ready to provide necessary assistance for the economic and social development of Barbados under the framework of the South-South cooperation. In 2017 China provided teaching equipment valued 30 million RMB to Barbados’ schools to help improve the quality of education offered to Barbadian children.
“Besides, from our own experience, China understands that agriculture and food security are the most critical issues for development. Therefore, China funded two agricultural projects in Barbados, with the amount of 45 million BDS,” he said.
Ambassador Xiusheng also indicated that this year the People’s Republic of China would celebrate its 70th birthday.
He said 70 years after its founding, China achieved many development miracles and now it was entering a new era under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and H.E. President Xi Jinping.
“In the new era, Chinese people will continue to work hard to build a better life and realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. And the Barbadian government, led by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, is also pioneering the Economic Recovery and Transformation plan, with the aim to boost a stronger and more sustainable economy in Barbados.
“China is looking forward to the success of Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation plan and stands ready to help the Barbadian government and people to fulfill their agenda,” the Ambassador said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson who thanked the Embassy for the equipment said that the donation was a extention to a monetary presentation the Embassy made to assist with information technology education in schools.
Hinkson said today’s donation was important and would allow residents of the GIS to be able to keep with the technological advancements of the global village.
“At the click of a button you can access anything, any information in the world. You can correspond and communicate with anyone here in Barbados, from China. We totally appreciate this donation Ambassador, which would assist some of the most vulnerable young persons in our society to access information technology, to learn to use it, to be comfortable with it, to gain more knowledge, and to be able to be useful citizens after they leave,” Hinkson said.
