160TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHINESE ARRIVAL
Posted by bwest in Press Releases
This month marks the 160th anniversary of the arrival of the Chinese to Guyana. On January 12, 1853, on the ship Glenntaner, 305 men arrived in Georgetown. This arrival of Chinese to Guyana is a significant milestone in our history, not only of the Chinese community, but for the Republic.
The children with ancestry from China have made a priceless contribution to the development and achievements of Guyana and among their icons have been a former President of Guyana His Excellency Arthur Cheong, Mr. Ian Chang, Chief Justice (ag), Ms. Marlene Kwok Crawford, former Deputy Headmistress of Bishops High School, R.V. Wong, the first Chinese-Guyanese to become an executive member of the Guianese Government, Dr Ray Luck, distinguished international pianist; Godfrey Chin, social historian and writer, and our very own Guyana cricketer, Jonathan Foo.
This is just but a sub-set of the talented Guyanese with Chinese heritage. Our very own Speaker of the Parliament, Raphael Trotman is a descendant of Lai A Poo, who arrived in 1860.
Descendants of Chinese indentured immigrants continue to make significant contributions to the Guyanese society, especially in business, medicine, law, politics and commerce. Their cultural impact is pronounced and lasting, especially in areas of food and festivals.
We have a rich legacy of a plural, multi-cultural society, thanks to the supreme sacrifice of our ancestors, including Chinese. It is time that we give sober reflection on the significance of slavery and indentureship in this month of remembrance of our Chinese immigrants. Let us use this opportunity to show a greater sense of mutual respect, tolerance, appreciation and understanding of each other as we commemorate this important part of our history.