Learning from Chinese moral code

THE EDITOR: Citizens for a Better Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) would like to congratulate both China and Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the two countries’ establishment of full diplomatic ties. Prime Minister Patrick Manning stated recently that the two countries had achieved a significant milestone in their bilateral relations. China attaches great importance to developing friendly ties with Trinidad and Tobago and is willing to expand bilateral cooperation in various fields on the basis of equality, mutual respect and common interest, according to their Prime Minister. Madam Liu, Mr Lee and others with whom I have come in contact at the Chinese Embassy in Port-of-Spain are a great credit to their country. I am very impressed with their friendliness and attitude towards others.

CBTT also send greetings to the people of China on their 55th anniversary as a Republic. On October 1, 1949 Mao Zedong, chairman of the Central People’s Government, solemnly proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In paying tribute to the most populous country in the world, we wish to point out that China, along with ancient Egypt, Babylon and India, is known as one of the four great ancient civilisations of the world. We can learn from the Chinese precept “Honour the old, love the young” which exemplifies their moral code. In modern Chinese society, providing for the elderly and caring for children is a specific obligation, as well as an accepted moral principle. People who do not provide for their parents or who mistreat their children not only are liable for legal penalties, but also face public condemnation. I hope that this Chinese moral code catches on here.

HARRACK BALRAMSINGH
President, CBTT
La Romaine