Dear Editor,
I read with much interest in the June 25, 2018 edition of a national newspaper that the 13th Chinese Medical Brigade had completed its mission and was being commended for its continued service to Guyana. To my knowledge, the medical brigade would have helped tens of thousands of Guyanese over the decades during its operations in Guyana. The Chinese Medical Brigade would have provided doctors, but also medicine and expensive equipment, which many Third World nations like Guyana cannot afford. This was and continues to be a great initiative conducted by one of the most advanced economies in the world, China.
As a patriot and investor in Guyana, I believe our partnership with our Chinese friends has proven to be fruitful. The countless scholarship opportunities for our young people in areas of agriculture, medicine, architecture, engineering, and administration have advanced our educational infrastructure to produce professionals which competently serve our Public and Private Sectors locally. Periodically, Chinese corporations would even sponsor visits of youths from Guyana and other Third World nations to China in order to open their understanding of the Chinese civilisation. My own son, Dr Rosh Khan, went to one such conference last year and this trip changed his entire perspective on life, technology and the world.
Several signed agreements between Governments and foreign Chinese businesses would have resuscitated our dying economy in many instances, re: In 2008, during the global economic crisis was taking place, foreign direct investments, commerce and trade with China helped to keep Guyana afloat along with several other key sectors. Currently in our economy, the Chinese supply affordable building materials, clothing and food at competitive prices which have allowed all classes of our society greater spending power. The Chinese in retrospect have liberated our local market.
Globally, the Chinese are known to be military strategist, scholars, scientists, philosophers, inventors, doctors, farmers etc. A key hallmark of its civilisation has been to protect its land but never invade or harm foreigners or their land. Their philosophy has remained peace and harmony. Having visited China twice before, it is still not enough to learn of the great history, magnificence and the contribution of their people.
The image of China is becoming like that of a Sci-Fi fantasy, having been to the Shanghai Expo, Guang Hazhou, Hebei and other parts of New and Old Beijing and seeing the contrast between the old and the new. I recall one night I was invited to participate in a folk dance and cultural evening. This inspired me to advise the Guyanese Government to open the Botanical Gardens daily, decorate it with lights and allow musicians and artists to display their decent, creative work.
I wish to commend the Chinese populace for the great example they continue to be to the world, historically and even contemporarily.
Welcome to Guyana, 14th Chinese Medical Brigade, the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Government. We should recognise also, that they have one of the largest technological firms, Huawei, and it would be amazing if this company can partner with some youths to take Guyana to the next level. I even wish to add that we should partner with the Chinese in forsaken areas and to make access to medical treatment easier in the interior. Guyana will soon become a greater tourist attraction and so, investing in resorts and play parks will see great profits, the Chinese industrialists could play a significant role in its design and construction.
China’s humanity is so deep, and their discipline is amazing. Thank you China!
Yours sincerely,
Roshan Khan Sr
