Big celebrations for Chinese 200th Anniversary

Picou said, "It is only fitting and proper we feel, that we celebrate this milestone, not only the Chinese community, but all of Trinidad and Tobago."

The programme of events will begin in February next year, when three Carnival bands will depict Chinese themes. They are Silver Stars, Bennetts and 2 Ha’quai. Bernard Aquing, head of the sub-committee dealing with public relations and communications, said the Chinese Ambassador is arranging for the bands to get authentic costumes from China for the parade of the bands. He added that the costumes will be along the educational lines and not the customary bikinis that have now taken over Carnival.

He stressed that the planned events were not only for the 10,000 or less Chinese descendants to celebrate, but also for the 1.3 million citizens of TT to part-take in.

Closer to the anniversary date in October next year, Picou said that troupes of dancers from China will be brought here to perform in a street parade from the Brian Lara Promenade to the Jean Pierre Complex. They are expected to dance the lion and dragon dances during the parade which will be accompanied by steelpan and drumming.

On the significant day itself, a tree from China will be planted at the Botanical Gardens to symbolise the link of the two countries. later in the day, President George Maxwell Richards will host a banquet.

Other events include exhibitions throughout TT with the focus on art, jewellery, costumes, photos and sculpture, as well as seminars on the Chinese diaspora in the Caribbean. These events will take place from May to July 2006.

A film festival is planned for July/August where documentaries on China will be shown as well as classic at Chinese films.

There will also be a gala fashion show featuring the collections of top designers in the country, including Meiling, Peter Elias, and Heather Jones.

The penultimate month of the celebrations will see the annual Chinese Men Who can cook, as well as a dinner and ball. In October 2006, the launch of two books is on the agenda, along with a five-day Chinese Village at the Jean Pierre Complex. At the village patrons will be treated to a food and trade fair, an art and craft exhibition and live entertainment.