Barbuda gets multi-million relief from China

Last updated: October 7, 2017 at 13:23 pm

China has announced plans to donate US$2.5 million to the government of Antigua and Barbuda to support rebuilding efforts on the smaller island.

Barbuda was decimated when Hurricane Irma passed through in September.

A child was killed and the island was left almost uninhabitable. Following the storm every resident was evacuated to Antigua.

Premier Li Keqiang, in a letter to Antigua-Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, said that he was shocked to learn about the effects of Hurricane Irma.

“On behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, I would like to extend my profound condolences and sincere sympathy to those who were injured and those who lost a relative and property during the natural tragedy,” the letter read.

The Chinese leader also noted that it is his belief that, under the leadership of Browne, the government and people can rebuild Barbuda soon.

’True friend’

In making the donation, the Chinese government said that they stand side by side with the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda during this difficult period.

The Chinese government also announced that they have cancelled the annual National Day celebrations in Antigua, and will donate the $50,000 earmarked for the celebrations towards the Barbuda relief effort.

“China has stood side by side with Antigua and Barbuda since our nations established diplomatic relations in 1983, and no other country has contributed more to the infrastructural, social and economic development of our twin island state,” Browne said.

“We thank the government and people of the People’s Republic of China for this significant donation towards the rebuilding effort in Barbuda.”

China will always have a friend in the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, the prime minister added.