Barbados and China seeking to deepen relations

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland, is seeking to have further linkages between the People’s Republic of China and Barbados. 

During a recent courtesy call by Chinese Ambassador Yan Xinsheng and a team from the embassy, the two officials discussed collaboration on a number of areas, including the construction of the National Stadium, and a possible road tennis tournament between the two countries. 

Also present were Permanent Secretary, Yolande Howard, and Sports Development Officer, Stephen Rowe. 

Minister Sutherland highlighted Barbados’ long-standing relationship with the country, and thanked the Ambassador for the valuable role China has played in assisting Barbados with the funding of numerous development projects over the years. Such projects include the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre and the Cheapside Market. 

Ambassador Yan pledged continued support to Barbados, and extended an invitation to athletes to the 2022 Winter Olympics, being held in Beijing. 

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the embassy has donated personal protective equipment to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and tablets to the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training to assist with remote learning. 

During his visit, Mr. Yan donated 200 masks to the staff of the ministry. 

Barbados and China established diplomatic relations on May 30, 1977. (BGIS)