Antigua Sun, August 4, 2006...The government of China will be investing another US$1.25 million in
Antigua & Barbuda. China ‘s Ambassador to Antigua & Barbuda Ren
Xiaoping announced yesterday that, starting from 2007, the Chinese
government will provide 10 full scholarships for Antiguan and Barbudan
students to complete studies at top universities in China.
In addition, the government of China will provide street lights running
from the V. C. Bird Int’l Airport to the new Sir Vivian Richards
Stadium at the cost of just over US$1 million and will improve the
planned seating at the stadium for approximately US$250,000. The plan
for the permanent seating at the stadium will be upgraded from fixed
seating to self-rising seats.
The government of China is already funding the $55 million cricket stadium.
The new arrangements come after months of talks between Antigua &
Barbuda’s Non Resident Ambassador to China David Shoul and Ambassador
Ren.
Ambassador Ren said that the 10 scholarships are a present from her
government, in celebration of Antigua and Barbuda’s 25th anniversary of
Independence. The recipients will be allowed to choose their areas of
study and the universities in China which they would like to attend.
Based on their disciplines, their courses of study are expected to run
from two to seven years.
Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer expressed gratitude to the ambassador,
pointing out that the gift is timely since he had promised to announce
25 new scholarship opportunities during the Independence celebrations
in November.
“This is a start for other things to come in the area of education,” PM
Spencer told Ambassador Ren. “When one looks around Antigua &
Barbuda and we examine the projects that you have supported over the
years, we cannot underestimate the extent to which your government has
committed itself to working with us to improve the lot of the people of
Antigua & Barbuda.”
The prime minister was particularly thankful for the lighting project
which he said was an important contribution to the experience as
visitors leave the airport.
The lighting project was originally intended to go from the airport to
the roundabout in St. John’s, but it was felt that, in light of next
year’s Cricket World Cup, the lighting to the stadium was a priority.
Ambassador Shoul has, nevertheless, offered assurances that the plan to
provide street lights into St. John’s has been postponed and not
delayed.
