Latest update November 14th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- “Regardless of a referendum ExxonM has to consent to change oil deal- AG, Anil Nandlall
- ExxonM produced 500 million barrels of oil Since 2019- Company says
- Deadly Israeli strike shatters sense of ‘safety’ in remote north Lebanon
- Govt. signs rental deal for second powership
- Auditors question ICAG’s motive behind suspension of licence and membership
AFC remembers 160th anniversary of Chinese arrival
Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang
The late social historian and writer, Godfrey Chin
January marks the 160th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese to Guyana. January 12, 1853 saw 305 men arriving in Georgetown on a ship called Glenntaner.
The Alliance for Change (AFC), during its most recent press conference last Wednesday, at the Side Walk Café, took the time to remember and reflect on the arrival and contributions of Guyanese of Chinese decent, to Guyana.
The party believes that the arrival of Chinese to Guyana is a significant milestone in not only the history of Chinese, but for the Republic as well.
In addressing media operatives, party member, Beverly Alert, noted that Guyanese of Chinese ancestry have made significant contributions to the development and achievements of Guyana.
Alert listed some Chinese Guyanese icons as being Former President of Guyana, His Excellency Arthur Chung; Chief Justice (ag) Mr. Ian Chang; Ms. Marlene Kwok Crawford, former Deputy Headmistress of Bishops High School; R.V. Wong, the first Chinese-Guyanese to become an executive member of the Guianese Government; Dr Ray Luck, distinguished international pianist; the late, Godfrey Chin, social historian and writer, and Guyana’s very own cricketer, Jonathan Foo.
Alert added that the aforementioned names are just but a sub-set of the talented Guyanese with Chinese heritage.
Our very own Speaker of the Parliament, Raphael Trotman, she said, is a descendant of Lai A Poo, who arrived in 1860. For the entire period of 1853 to 1879, a total of 13,541 Chinese landed in Guyana.
“Descendants of Chinese indentured immigrants continue to make significant contributions to the Guyanese society,
Popular Defence Counsel and Former Chief Magistrate: Paul Fung-A-Fat
especially in business, medicine, law, politics and commerce. Their cultural impact is pronounced and lasting, especially in areas of food and festivals,” Alert pointed out.
She noted that our rich legacy of a plural, multi-cultural society is as a result of supreme sacrifice made by our ancestors, including those of Chinese heritage.
“It is time that we give sober reflection on the significance of slavery and indentureship in this month of remembrance of our Chinese immigrants. Let us use this opportunity to show a greater sense of mutual respect, tolerance, appreciation, and understanding of each other as we commemorate this important part of our history,” Ms. Alert urged.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Poor Power Planning (PPP)
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- Planning has long been the PPP/C government’s pride and joy. The PPP/C touts it at rallies,... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
