Chinese Ambassador Zhiquan welcomes holiday proposal

Ambassador Zhiquan said the proposal was very positive especially since Trinidad and Tobago is known internationally as a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and diverse comm-unity.

On Emancipation Day, Manning hinted that the local Chinese community may soon have its own national celebration after 200 years of "quiet struggle." Manning made this known in his address before a large crowd at the Emancipation Day celebrations at the Queen’s Park Savannah. Manning noted that the local Chinese community would soon commemorate its 200th anniversary and the Government would soon decide "how best we could demonstrate our appreciation." The Chinese arrived in Trinidad on October 12, 1806.

Zhiquan said he was very happy with Government’s proposal and that the local Chinese community would be "very pleased" with such a gesture. "We welcome the Government’s hospitality in proposing a declaration of a national holiday or Chinese New Year as a festival in this country," the ambassador said.

He also mentioned that Trinidad and Tobago was an important part of the Caribbean region, and bilateral relations with China remained "very good."

Zhiquan, who has served for a year as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, said he was enjoying his diplomatic stint in this country, adding that Trinbagonians were a very friendly people and he felt very comfortable and at home in TT.