Address By The Honourable Philip E. Davis, Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister Of Foreign Affairs And Immigration
 On the occasion of The 65th Anniversary of The People’s Republic of China

I am honoured to be able to stand-in, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honourable Fred Mitchell, who is away attending the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations in New York.

This occasion, which marks the 65th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, has special significance, not only for the people of China but for the entire global community in general and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in particular.

Ambassador, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and The Bahamas in 1997, there has been a constant flow of friendly activities between us in all spheres, political, cultural, medical, economic and educational.

Perhaps one of the most significant developments of friendly relations between our two countries this year has been the lifting of all barriers to legal travel by our two peoples.  In February, our two countries signed a visa waiver agreement, allowing travel without visas for up to thirty days.  This landmark and trend-setting event, not only for The Bahamas but also for the entire Caribbean, opens the way for easier travel of visitors and business persons between our two countries and is one of the lynch-pins in our strategy to ensure that the Baha Mar resort, right here on Cable Beach, will experience, when it opens, no impediments, as far as travel is concerned.

In this vein, I should add that as we speak, both sides are reviewing an Air Services Agreement, which is a prerequisite for seamless one-stop travel between Nassau and key cities in China, that will further ensure legal and hassle free migratory flows between our two countries.

And, to speak even further on the plans for Tourism links, the Ministry of Tourism is currently investigating the modalities for the imminent establishment of a Tourism Office in Beijing to promote, in an aggressive and effective manner, the wide range of leisure experiences that are offered here in The Bahamas for Chinese tourists, not only in Nassau and Grand Bahama but also in or many Family Islands.

Just this year alone, we have seen the granting of some 19 scholarships by China to Bahamian students to study a wide range of disciplines, which would empower these young people to make meaningful contributions to the continued development of The Bahamas on their successful completion of studies and return home.

On other matters, there have been cultural exchanges from both sides, with a Chinese combat Troupe coming here for our 41st Anniversary of Independence this past July and a cultural group from our side visited China just a few weeks ago.

Another significant event this year has been the visit to The Bahamas of a number of doctors, who performed successful surgeries for the removal of cataracts on a number of Bahamian citizens, thus enabling them to gain their sight once again.  This has had a profound impact on the lives of these people and for this, Ambassador, we are forever grateful to the Government and People of China.

It is clear that, notwithstanding the fact that we are separated by many thousands of miles, we are able to join hands across the wide expanse and express friendship, which is the key to a harmonious world, where peoples live in peace, respecting their differences and celebrating their many similarities.

So, on this auspicious occasion of the 65th Anniversary of the founding of The People’s Republic of China, I would like to propose a toast to the Government and People of the People’s Republic of China and wish for them countless years ahead of growth, peace and prosperity.