Chinese lifeline: Major medical donation toast Barbados–Beijing ties at 48

A landmark donation of over $130 000 in medical supplies from the Chinese Embassy has given the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) a vital boost—on the date 48 years ago when Bridgetown and Beijing established diplomatic ties.

“These medical resources will enhance the hospital’s medical capacity and directly benefit the people of Barbados,” remarked Chargé d’Affaires Huang Xinhua during a handover ceremony of medical supplies to the QEH.

The donation highlights the significant contribution by the Chinese government following the deployment of a Chinese medical team to the QEH.

“These medical resources will enhance the hospital’s medical capacity and directly benefit the people of Barbados,” he added. “The contribution by the Chinese government will deepen our bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples.”

In June 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to dispatch 100 medical professionals to the Caribbean during a meeting with regional leaders.

Since 2016, Barbados has hosted seven Chinese medical teams.

“China has sent seven medical teams to Barbados with 56 doctors and nurses in total,” said Huang. “All doctors and nurses have upheld the core values of the China medical team, that is to define hardship, commit to dedication, heal the wounded, and rescue the dying, and extend boundless love.”

Huang also noted the recognition given to the Chinese teams over the years. “Their dedication has been warmly acknowledged by the Ministry of Health and Wellness of Barbados, as well as the leadership and staff of the QEH. Most importantly, their contributions have been acknowledged by the Barbadian people.”

He recalled that in 2024, “Her Excellency President Mason extended the personal letter of appreciation to the 6 Chinese team . . . conveying gratitude from both her own and also the nation”.

Acting Minister of Health Davidson Ishmael received the donation on behalf of the government and people of Barbados. He pointed out the symbolic importance of the date.

“Today is May 30th… Barbados and China actually formalised its diplomatic relationship on May 30th, 1977,” he noted. “It’s a very fortuitous day . . . it seems that if someone was behind the scenes making sure that today was the symbolic day of the relationship.”

Referring to a Barbadian saying: “48 years is not 48 days . . . . That is a long-standing relationship.”

He listed several areas of Chinese support to Barbados over the years, including education, technology, sports, and public transport. “We’ve just received… over 30 new electric buses, another donation by the government of China . . .I think that Barbados actually can boast of having the largest fleet of electric buses across the Caribbean.”

Ishmael praised the time-honoured presence of Chinese medical teams. “You represent the seventh medical team that has come to Barbados, and we are so grateful for the support over these many years . . . the expertise and the knowledge sharing . . . has been without value, is invaluable.”

He also recorded Barbados’ gratitude for China’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Ishmael heaped praise: “The Queen Elizabeth Hospital does an amazing job when it comes to the delivery of healthcare as our only tertiary level healthcare institution on the island.”

“These supplies will be used to benefit the people of Barbados, and I am grateful,” he stated. (LG)