At nearly thirty-five years old as a Sovereign State, many in our Commonwealth often forget why we became independent. Independence enables us to take charge of our destiny, internally as well as externally. Externally, opportunities include direct intercourse for mutual benefit with any Nation in the world.

Our Guest of Honour is the embodiment of one such opportunity as he represents the world’s most populous country, the People’s Republic of China, estimated by the United Nations to be 1.33 billion in 2007. It is a Country which also has other distinctions, such as being that with a continuous culture stretching back nearly 4,000 years, and, currently, the world’s fast-growing economy with a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by the World Bank of 9.6% for 2008, despite a slow-down from 2007. It also merits highlighting that despite unbalanced developmental, environmental, social, ethnic and ideological challenges, the People’s Republic of China has successfully launched two manned spacecraft (2003, 2005), and, orbited the Moon (2007).

In spite of such international standing being, a Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council, and, courted by all major World Powers, the People’s Republic of China has shown herself to be a Friend both to The Bahamas and the Caribbean Region.

Regionally, inter alia, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been given preferred tourism and trade status. The People’s Republic of China also supported a

high priority CARICOM-led initiative at the United Nations for the conversion of the Ad Hoc Group of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters into an inter-governmental deliberative Body of the UN’s Economic and Social Council. The success of this initiative goes a long way to leveling the playing field, internationally, in order for the Caribbean Region to have a direct voice in global decision-making on international financial matters which are of economic importance to many Caribbean economies, not least our own.

Nationally, the number of Bahamians from the highest and broadest political, public, private, civic and cultural strata of Bahamian society who have visited the People’s Republic of China, would almost make it seem as if Beijing were as close as Miami. In like manner, The Bahamas and Bahamians have hosted high-level Chinese Delegations as well as cultural and sports delegations.

The Bahamas has signed important Accords with the People’s Republic of China relating to education, culture and commerce. On the basis of these, Bahamians have benefited from academic, diplomatic and Chinese language training, as well as economically, due to increasing numbers of ordinary Bahamians going to China for commercial advantages.

The 23^rd May, 2007, marked a milestone ten years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the People’s Republic of China. It was also last year that, through the diligent and skilled.

Intervention of Ambassador Li, the Chinese Government agreed to Bahamas requested modifications, incurring additional grant funding, to the National Stadium

Agreement signed 18 August, 2004. As the Ambassador makes his departure, he therefore, leaves behind a lasting monument whose aesthetic and functional features will not only forever cement Bahamas/Chinese friendship, but proclaim the same to the world given the plans on the drawing board for the use of the National Stadium upon completion.

Your Excellency, as I formally acknowledge and record the gratitude of the Government and People of The Bahamas for the excellent stewardship you have rendered during your tenure for the mutually beneficial promotion of Bahamas/Chinese relations, I am equally confident in saying, without fear of contradiction that, as you and your family depart our shores, hopefully not forever, you have also accomplished the unparalleled feat of enabling 1.33 billion People to be endeared to and embraced in the hearts of some 0.33 million People!

Excellency, Madame Zheng, Master Li, bon voyage and Godspeed.