THE
massive celebrations planned to commemorate the 200th anniversary
of the arrival of the Chinese in Trinidad and Tobago will help “to
demonstrate that each creed and race have an equal place.”
So stated Dr. David Picou, chairman of the Bicentennial Committee
on the Arrival of Chinese in TnT.
According to him, the planned events, which will highlight all that
is Chinese, will also promote an increased awareness and appreciation
of “our life and culture have been shaped and enriched by
persons of different ethnic origins”.
The government of TnT has also promised to declare October 12, Chinese
Arrival Day as a public holiday.
It was back in October (12th) 1806, that 192 Chinese men arrived
in Trinidad on the ship “Fortitude”.
|
Dr. DAVID
PICOU
ALLYSON
BROWN
|
Historical records have reveal that it
was the first organised settlement of Chinese in the Americas.
Dr. Picou, at last Tuesday’s Press conference at MovieTowne,
spoke of the events which include exhibitions of paintings
by local Chinese artists, Chinese food and trade fair, banquet,
and a gala fashion show with China as its theme, to mark
their anniversary.
|
A
younger generation of Chinese women in TnT.
|
|
Well-known model Allyson Brown, whose adopted grandfather was
Chinese and has visited China three times, has been given the
task of co-ordinating fashion show titled “China”.
There will also be a film festival of documentaries and films
by major Chinese film producers, a lecture series, a publication
of two books on the contributions by the Chinese and their impact
on life and society of TnT, and a theatrical performance by two
distinguished local Chinese artists.
Highlight of the celebrations will be the Dragon Boat racing which
will be held in TnT for the first time.
“We hope that the many years experience of the Chinese in
Trinidad and Tobago, their integration into society, their lifestyles,
achievements, contributions, struggles and impact will help to
strengthen harmonious relationships between persons of every racial
and ethnic origin in our country,” ended Dr. Picou.
Celebrations kick off this month.
|
