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.