The People’s Republic of China has once again shown its commitment to the Government and People of Dominica as they handed over table tennis equipment to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Community Development.
The equipment was handed over at a ceremony held on Tuesday, December 7 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
Member of Parliament for the Roseau Central Constituency, Hon. Melissa Skerrit stated that this push in the development of sports is part of Government’s commitment to the development of youth in Dominica.
“I am pleased that the Chinese Government saw it fit to provide these resources to the schools in Roseau Central, the stadium, and across Dominica to maximize its reach. I am particularly proud to take part in this ceremony because the provision of sporting equipment, sporting venues along with the promotion of health are promises that this Government has sought to deliver,” the Roseau Central MP stated.
Prime Minister of Dominica, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit thanked the People’s Republic of China for what he described as their continued commitment to Dominica. He stated that this equipment will enhancing sporting activities around the island.
“I want to reiterate an expression of gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for this very important gesture, the donation of twenty two- table tennis sets. And this I believe will certainly enhance sporting activities not only in the city of Roseau but throughout Dominica,” PM Skerrit noted.
Acting Minister for Sports, Culture and Community Development, Hon. Oscar George stated that this donation is important in the Government’s thrust towards the development of sports in the country.
“Sports can be a very powerful medium for advancing collaborative partnership fostering foreign policy relations and it is against this simple background we are here today. We are here to celebrate an initiative geared at providing the required support to table tennis thereby developing our local talent to make our athlete s more competitive. Twenty two table tennis boards invested in the future of the sport of table tennis. This is very significant in our thrust to develop the sport of table tennis here in Dominica. It is indeed a wonderful day for table tennis and by extension sports in general in Dominica. We believe that this donation is very timely as it is happening at a time where we are witnessing a renewed interest in the sport of table tennis among our youth,” Hon. George stated.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Dominica, His Excellency Lin Xianjiang noted that this donation is another gesture of friendship between the two countries.
“On behalf of the Chinese Government, I am pleased to present twenty-two table tennis tables, together with rackets, balls and other equipment to Dominica. The Chinese Government and the Chinese Embassy has always done what it can to help Dominica’s social and economic development and improvement of people’s lives. Today this gift will present another gesture of our friendship,” H.E. Lin Xianjiang noted.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations, Hon. Dr. Kenneth Darroux thanked the People’s Republic of China for this donation of equipment and for all the years that they have assisted Dominica in various ways.
“Thank you to the People’s Republic of China for another gesture of solidarity with Government and people of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2004, the People’s Republic of China has proven to be a friend of Dominica both in good and bad times and we are forever thankful. In tangible and intangible ways, invisible and visible ways the People’s Republic of China has continued to be a vital partner in changing the developmental landscape of Dominica,” Dr. Darroux noted.