–PM says at Chinese Spring Festival celebrated at National Park
CHINESE community members celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival of 2023 Sunday last at the National Park with Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who was also performing the functions as President, and his wife, Mignon Bowen-Phillips.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Phillips spoke to the role the People’s Republic of China and its citizens have played in the advancement of Guyana since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries some 50 years ago and in their 170 years since journeying to the shores of Guyana.
The Brigadier said, “I am aware that the Spring Festival — a more than four-thousand-year celebration — is one of the most anticipated and important observances on the Chinese calendar. It is a time of reverence and reflection as respect is paid to ancestors. Much like Christmas time in Guyana, the Spring Festival commemorations are highlighted by the cleaning of homes in preparation for that new start. But most importantly, it is a time of rich cultural indulgence as the celebration takes place with accents of diverse food, dance, folklore and other traditions, much of which we will have the privilege of observing here this evening.”
The Prime Minister continued: “In Guyana, we welcome this celebration as it allows us the opportunity to partake in that rich culture which makes up the diverse tapestry of this country. Guyana is known as a place where people from all walks of life get the unique opportunity to sample multiple cultures; a practice that has always united us as a people.”
The Chinese Association of Guyana organised the event, which took place in the Georgetown National Park.
Lunar New Year, also commonly known as Chinese New Year, begins on January 22, 2023, and ushers in the Year of the Rabbit.
China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Guo Haiyan; the President of the Chinese Association, Ruihui Su; Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues and members of the Diplomatic Corps were also in attendance along with other special invitees.
