172 years of Jamaica-China ties celebrated

WESTERN BUREAU:

The deepening partnership between Jamaica and China was highlighted Saturday night as Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, representing Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, addressed the Chinese Community’s Spring Festival celebration in Montego Bay, St James.

Addressing more than 2,000 patrons gathered at The Pinnacle on Saturday night, Chuck described the Spring Festival as “a living reminder of the deep bonds of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation” that have long defined relations between the two nations.

Held under the banner of the Year of the Horse, the event blended cultural expression with diplomatic symbolism, reflecting what organisers described as a relationship built not only on formal agreements but on generations of shared community life.

Chuck highlighted China’s role in Jamaica’s infrastructure expansion, pointing to major highway and development corridor projects that have strengthened trade, tourism, rural connectivity and road safety.

“These highways and bridges are not merely concrete and steel,” he said. “They are pathways to growth, mobility and shared prosperity.”

He further noted cooperation in housing, energy, healthcare and education, referencing technical assistance and concessional financing that have supported Jamaica’s development agenda.

China’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Wang Jinfeng, and Culture Minister Olivia Grange were among the dignitaries present, reinforcing both diplomatic and cultural dimensions of the relationship.

Beyond symbolism, the evening carried a strong humanitarian message.

Organisers recognised donors and leaders who contributed to the Chinese community’s $100 million response to Hurricane Melissa, which impacted sections of Hanover, Westmoreland and St James last year.

Chuck acknowledged the support provided in the storm’s aftermath, describing it as evidence that the partnership between Jamaica and China extends beyond formal diplomacy.

“The true strength of friendship is revealed not only in times of prosperity, but in moments of hardship,” he said.

Yangsen Li, chairman of Spring Festival 2026, echoed that sentiment, noting that solidarity during crisis reflects the depth of integration between Chinese Jamaicans and the wider society.

“It was built when nobody was watching,” Li said. “It was built by neighbours helping neighbours, by trust extended in difficult times.”

The Chinese presence in Jamaica dates back to 1854, when the first migrants arrived as indentured labourers. Over almost two centuries, that migration evolved into a community that has shaped commerce, entrepreneurship and civic life across the island.

From small family-operated groceries that became neighbourhood anchors to major business enterprises driving economic activity, Chinese Jamaicans have woven their heritage into Jamaica’s national identity.

The Year of the Horse, symbolising perseverance, loyalty and forward momentum, was described by organisers as reflective of that journey.

“Our grandparents arrived with empty hands but full hearts,” Li told the audience. “They faced hardship, loneliness and uncertainty, but they stayed. They worked. They believed.”

Saturday’s programme reflected the fusion of heritage and national identity.

Traditional lion dances and martial arts performances by the Chinese Benevolent Association were paired with a ceremonial horse processional presented by Chukka Caribbean Adventures.

Students from Heinz Simonitsch School and Mt Alvernia High School delivered a joint presentation titled ‘Two Roots, One Future’, symbolising shared identity and intergenerational continuity.

Jamaican singer Tessanne Chin also performed, underscoring the seamless blending of cultures.

The evening concluded with a lantern-lighting ceremony and fireworks display that illuminated Montego Bay’s skyline, a visual marker of both tradition and progress.

As Jamaica and China continue to expand cooperation across infrastructure, trade and cultural exchange, Saturday’s celebration served as both reflection and forward signal.

“The Year of the Horse reminds us that progress demands strength, resilience and momentum,” Chuck said.

For the Chinese Jamaican community, now 172 years rooted in the island’s story, that momentum appears firmly in stride.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com