Chinese Ambassador Hosts 2011 Spring Festival Reception

H.E. Mr. Yang Youming, Chinese Ambassador to T&T, and his wife Mrs. Geng Hailing

On January 28, 2011, guests of H.E. Mr. Yang Youming, Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, and his wife Mrs. Geng Hailing experienced a taste of China at their residence in celebration of the Chinese New Year which officially begins on 3rd February in 2011. This celebration, more popularly referred to as the Spring Festival, is the major event celebrated in China because it is a time when family, wherever they are, return home to engage in the festivities. This festival is responsible for one of the largest migrations in the world of over one hundred million people. Often times, it is the only time of the year that families see each other. Although many miles away from home at their interim residence in St. Clair, Trinidad, His Excellency and his wife welcomed guests just as if they were family members returning home for the annual celebrations.

The Chinese Bicentennial Steel Pan Ensemble

In keeping with Chinese tradition, red, the colour of prosperity and joy was the theme of the festivities: from the decorative lanterns (which were strategically placed around the compound, particularly at the entrances, to ward off evil), to the dashing red dress worn by Mrs. Geng Hailing. Members of the Chinese Bicentennial Steel Pan Ensemble also wore red as they rendered some familiar hits, often with Chinese flair.

Guests at the Spring Festival reception

The few hundred guests mingled in the luscious space, either on the tent-covered lawn, by the pool area, or in the open living room area as they chatted and dined to exquisite Chinese cuisine. Among the guests included the Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives the Hon. Mr. Fuad Khan, Minister of Local Government the Hon. Chandresh Sharma, former President of the Senate Mr. Danny Montano, Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier Roland Maunday, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Mrs. Paula Gopee-Scoon, former Chief of Defense Staff Major General Edmund Dillon, Mayor of Port of Spain His Worship Louis Lee Sing, Member for Laventille East/Morvant Donna Cox, Member for Port of Spain North/St. Ann’s West Patricia McIntosh, members of the diplomatic corps and prominent members of the Chinese community in Trinidad and Tobago as well as representatives of Chinese companies based in the country.

H.E. Mr. Yang Youming, Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago

Giving a brief address on this auspicious occasion was host of the ceremony H.E. Mr. Yang Youming, Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. Youming extended appreciation for the company of invited guests and spoke about bilateral ties between China and Trinidad and Tobago, which he stressed was important to the development of both countries. He spoke proudly of the developments that China was able to make in the last year and lauded the Chinese business community in Trinidad and Tobago for participating in that success. He believed that this year, the year of the rabbit, would see a continuation of last year’s prosperity and hoped that Trinidad and Tobago would continue to partner with China for the benefit of both countries.

Counsellor Wang Jianqun, Mrs. Rambachan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan and Guest

Also extending greetings for the Spring Festival was Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Dr. Surujrattan Rambachan on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Like Youming before him, Rambachan spoke about the important ties between Trinidad and Tobago and China and the great value in maintaining these connections. Rambachan also provided a brief history of the importance of the Chinese community to Trinidad and Tobago, citing leading personalities of Chinese origin and Chinese descent such as the first Governor General of Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Solomon Hochoy, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Nationalist Government in the 1920’s Mr. Eugene Chen, mother of Chinese Modern Dance, Madame Dai Ailian and oil industry pioneer Mr. John Lee Lum. The minister stressed that the world would be a duller place without their contributions.

Guests at the residence of the Chinese Ambassador

The evening ended as it had begun, with gracious hosts, the Ambassador and his wife, thanking guests for coming to celebrate this important tradition in their home away from home. Guests, who were treated to food, music and an ambience reminiscent of Chinese spring left the residence, hopefully to spread the joy of the celebrations in their own communities.

2011 Spring Festival Reception in pictures:
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