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A Celebration of Unity: Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the Year of the Snake with the Chinese Spring Festival

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By Petra Williams

Petrathespectator.com

Earlier this week, under the auspices of Ms. Zhang Yanling, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda, a cross-section of residents came together to celebrate the Spring Festival that signals the Chinese New Year Celebration at the Chinese Embassy.

Opening the event, Ambassador Zhang Yanling explained the value of the annual Spring Festival celebrations “as the most important traditional festival of the Chinese nation, the Spring Festival has played a significant role in maintaining and strengthening the emotional bonds between people, their families, and homeland for thousands of years. It carries the pursuit of peace, amity and harmony of the Chinese civilisation, and contains the common value of mankind”.

She also reflected on some of the key accomplishments of the 2024 bilateral cooperation between Antigua and Barbuda and China in various fields, including the progress of the Booby Alley housing project, the different training programs in agriculture that afforded 260 Antiguan and Barbudan participants to attend training courses in China covering the fields of agriculture, fisheries, trade, Blue Economy, green transition, AI technology, information and communication, among others.

The year 2024 was the first for the Winners of the Chinese proficiency competition in secondary and primary schools, where the local winners participated in the Chinese bridge global event in China.

The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams brought greetings on behalf of the Government and the People of Antigua and Barbuda.

“As we welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, we are reminded of the qualities this zodiac sign represents: wisdom, resilience, and transformation.

“These attributes resonate deeply with the evolving global landscape and the shared aspirations of our two nations. Antigua and Barbuda remains steadfast in its support for the One China Principle, a cornerstone of our diplomatic relations. We recognize the importance of this principle in maintaining stability and fostering mutual respect in international affairs, and we are proud to stand alongside China in upholding it.”

Sir Rodney highlighted China’s remarkable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its leadership in developing electric vehicles (EVs), both critical technological innovations.

He emphasized that “China’s commitment to EV technology and its efforts to make these vehicles more accessible worldwide are a testament to its role as a global leader in sustainable development. We applaud these efforts and look forward to the day when electric vehicles become a common sight on our roads, contributing to a cleaner, greener future”.

The Governor General heralded China’s global leadership and commitment to shared prosperity through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He noted that the vision of the BRI continues to transform the pace of trade and connectivity across continents, “creating new pathways for economic cooperation and cultural exchange. By investing in infrastructure, logistics, and digital networks, the BRI is helping to bridge gaps, reduce trade barriers, and foster economic integration. For small island states like Antigua and Barbuda, initiatives such as these offer invaluable opportunities to enhance our trade capabilities, strengthen our economies, and connect with global markets in meaningful ways”.

Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, also made remarks during the reception. He noted the pivotal role of the People’s Republic of China in shaping the nation’s progress, highlighting the transformative value of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, how the infrastructure upgrades of the cargo port at Deep Water Harbour, and the construction of schools and other educational facilities have contributed to the process of modernisation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Beyond infrastructure, Minister Matthew stated, “The Chinese government has also been a steadfast partner in fostering cultural exchange, education, and community development. One shining example of this partnership is the establishment of the Pandemonium Steel Orchestra … Thanks to the support of Her Excellency, the Chinese Ambassador, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, this steel orchestra has become a beacon of creativity and collaboration, blending the vibrant musical traditions of our Antiguan and Barbudan.” heritage with the values of discipline and excellence”.

Other notable attendees at the reception were Ambassador Brian Stuart-Young and Mrs. Stuart-Young, Ambassador Dean Jonas, Mr Yang Wenkang and Mr Wang Jianguo both Vice Presidents of the Chinese Association of Antigua and Barbuda, Cultural Advisor Hazra Media, Connie and Heather Doram, Reginald Murphy, and Susan Lowes.

The schools that participated in the various Chinese programs were also represented by faculty and students.

The entertainment included Calypso classic “Apple” by Lady Falcon, and Pandemonium Steel Orchestra’s rendition of Liang Xiao Wu Cai — “The Innocents”, adapted for the steelpan by the band’s Captain/Musical Director Zahra Lake.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, begins on January 29 and marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar or the Gregorian calendar. Over two billion people worldwide celebrate the Spring Festival, which lasts 15 days and normally ends with a Lantern Festival on February 12.

Across most of Asia, including China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Korea, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. They are considered the symbols of wisdom, resilience, transformation and good fortune as well as

the more well-known aspects of cunning, threat, terror, and evil. According to superstition, popping a bit of snakeskin or a snake charm into a purse or wallet brings monetary luck.

May The Year of the Snake bring more wisdom, resilience, and good fortune to us all!! Happy Chinese New Year!!

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