By ERIC ROSE
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the ‘China’s Lunar New Year 2025 Ceremony,’ held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, on January 23, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis noted that the Year of the Snake focused on an animal that was a symbol of wisdom, resilience, and transformation in their culture.
“The snake is known for its ability to shed its skin, representing the process of letting go of the old and embracing the new,” he said. “This reminds us to face challenges with foresight and creativity while seizing opportunities for growth and transformation.”
“The traditions of the Lunar New Year, from family reunions to vibrant cultural displays, highlight the richness of Chinese heritage and its global significance in fostering harmony and prosperity,” he added.
Among those present included Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians; members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic and Honorary Consular Corps; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; Senior Public Servants; and members of the Chinese and Bahamian communities.
“Tonight, I would also like to celebrate the enduring friendship between The Bahamas and China,” Prime Minister Davis said. “As we welcome the new year, 2025 marks the 28th anniversary of diplomatic relations between us. Over these years, our partnership has grown stronger, grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.”
He added: “Thanks to the commitment of the Embassy of China in The Bahamas, our Government received additional support, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to promote The Bahamas’ overall development, and more specifically, with its advocacy for food resilience and security, climate adaptation, and the development of our blue economy.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that some of the projects attached to that support included the following:
China’s handover of materials and band equipment to The Bahamas’ Ministry of National Security; the strengthening of sister-city relations between Grand Bahama Island and Hunan Province; the refurbishment of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium; capacity-building exercises in the areas of media, agriculture, tourism, and culture; the donation of supply tool kits to farmers in North Andros; technical assistance programmes to aid in the further development of Bahamian professionals and students; and
collaboration with the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) to establish a demonstration farm at the Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre (GRAC).
“I encourage all Bahamians to visit the farm – this demonstration farm at GRAC – to witness the positive results of China’s support to our food resilience and security efforts,” he said.
“Of course, the Chinese Embassy and the People’s Republic of China have provided support in many ways to our nation over the years, which is a testament to the length and depth of our ties as we partner on numerous developmental projects,” Prime Minister Davis added.
To the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to The Bahamas Her Excellency Yan Jiarong, Prime Minister Davis said that, on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, he extended “our sincerest appreciation for the support received from your office and from the Government and people of China”.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership to realize beneficial outcomes in areas of mutual interest,” he said. “As you progress in your
distinguished tenure, which just started a little while ago, we anticipate the year ahead will be marked by further remarkable achievements and memorable experiences.
Prime Minister Davis added: “We also look forward to deepening and strengthening our bonds of friendship and cooperation. The Bahamas remains steadfast in its commitment to the One-China policy, reflecting our respect for China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We value this principle as a cornerstone of our bilateral relationship and remain intent on working with China to advance shared priorities both within our nations and on the global stage.”
To those present, Prime Minister Davis encouraged them to raise their glasses in a toast, as they all welcomed the Lunar New Year with “hope, with determination, and with a shared vision for a better tomorrow”.
“As the snake teaches us to adapt and renew, may our partnership continue to flourish and bring prosperity to our peoples,” he said.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of The Bahamas, I extend my warmest wishes to the Government and people of China for a year filled with health, happiness, and success,” Prime Minister Davis added.
“Happy Lunar New Year.”
PHOTO CAPTION
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis brings remarks at the China’s Lunar New Year 2025 Ceremony, held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, on January 23, 2025. Among those present included Governor-General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Cabinet Ministers and Parliamentarians; members of the Judiciary, the Diplomatic and Honorary Consular Corps; Mrs. Ann Marie Davis of the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Minister; Senior Public Servants; and members of the Chinese and Bahamian communities.
(BIS Photos/Eric Rose)