NASSAU, The Bahamas - The People’s Republic of China awarded four Bahamians an opportunity to study its language and culture in a four-month training programme, in a move to further strengthen diplomatic relations between both countries.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette announced the recipients of the Chinese scholarships at a press conference on Thursday, August 14, 2008, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre.

They are Terrance Strachan and Francenia Clarke from the Ministry of Tourism and Crystal Evans and Crystal Fowler from Majestic Tours company. They will study Chinese culture and language, specifically Mandarin, from August 20 to December 17 at the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College. They have already completed three phases at the College of the Bahamas.

"This training course is yet another sign of the excellent working relationship that The Bahamas enjoys with the People’s Republic of China," Mr. Symonette said, noting that China has already offered technical assistance, training and cooperation in many areas.

"So we are extremely pleased with the connection that we have forged with our Chinese friends," Mr. Symonette said.

Subsequently, China initiated a programme that provided full scholarships for Bahamians to study various disciplines there. Up to July 28, 2008, there were 19 Bahamians who received scholarships under this programme.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for the individual students as well as the entire Bahamas because we will be enriched by the talent and skill that this course will provide," Mr. Symonette said.

The Chinese Government has further extended another three scholarships for training in September, to Sergeant Debra Thompson of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Tadia Mitchell and Kelia Collie-McIntosh of the Department of Immigration.

"These scholarships will certainly add to the talent that we have in The Bahamas and the training being provided will benefit both Bahamians and Chinese citizens," Mr. Symonette said.

Ambassador Hu Dingxian said he appreciated the keen interest Bahamians show in China, its language and culture.

"A foreign language is a vehicle for cultural interaction. It is a means of communication by which ideas and aspirations are shared among different peoples. It is an essential tool for enhancing friendship and mutual understanding.

"We are very glad to notice that the Government of The Bahamas has attached more and more importance to Chinese language learning, and also more and more Bahamians become keen on Chinese culture and its language," the ambassador said.

Ambassador Hu said he was sure that with the implementation of the Programme of Chinese Language Training by the Chinese Government for developing countries, more and more Bahamians who are interested in learning Chinese will benefit.

He told the recipients that they could not go to China at a better time – the 29th Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

"You will find a country on a fast move and you will find the average Chinese hospitable and eager to help. The challenge that you might encounter in China is perhaps not how to use chopsticks but to start a conversation in Chinese. You may also find out while you want to practice Chinese, the local people you talk to often want to practice English.

"You can certainly contribute your share to further promoting and strengthening our bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the fields of tourism, culture, trade and investment."

Director General of Tourism Ms. Vernice Walkine underscored the importance of tourism in the bilateral relationship between China and The Bahamas.

"Today, we are witnessing a path being cleared to better welcome Chinese guests. The People’s Republic of China has graciously awarded four scholarships for Bahamians to study Chinese language and culture in Beijing. This occasion sets a steady foundation on which we can build greater tourism relations with the people of China," she said.