The Ministry of Agriculture hosted a high-level delegation from the People’s Government of Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China, which donated twelve (12) motorized farm vehicles to support local farming mobilization efforts here in Antigua and Barbuda.
An official handing-over ceremony took place on Saturday involving members of the delegation as well as top officials of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The delegation, led by Vice Governor Mr. Zou Guang, included senior officials such as Mr. Sun Shanfang, Deputy Secretary-General of the People’s Government of Hainan Province; Mr. Ma Yuhong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan Province; Mr. Mo Zhengqun, Vice Mayor of Danzhou City; Ms. Zhu Wenting, Division Rank Official of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Hainan Province; and Ms. Yan Jiena, Senior Staff Member of the Foreign Affairs Office of Hainan Province. They were accompanied by the Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, H.E Zhang Yanling.
On behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the ceremony was attended by Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy; Permanent Secretary Mr. Walter Christopher; Principal Assistant Secretary Mrs. Denise Matthias-Thomas; Director of Agriculture Mr. Gregory Bailey; and Senior Research Officer Ms. Maudvere Bradford.
Minister Smith Jr. warmly thanked the Government of Hainan and the Chinese Ambassador for their generosity, stressing that the vehicles will play an important role in boosting farming efficiency and access, particularly in rural areas. He noted that such contributions reflect the deepening of bilateral ties between the two nations.
The ceremony also featured meaningful discussions on agricultural development. Permanent Secretary Christopher underscored the urgent need for water conservation initiatives, while Director Bailey highlighted the importance of strengthening local staples such as sweet potato and the world-famous Antigua Black Pineapple. Senior Research Officer Bradford presented details of the upcoming Water-Saving Irrigation Program, set to run from October 16 to November 3, 2025, which aims to introduce more efficient irrigation practices to safeguard resources and improve yields.
The event concluded with the symbolic handover of certificates and a framed portrait of the farm vehicles, marking both the donation and a new chapter of agricultural cooperation.
This partnership stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China, while charting a sustainable future for local farmers.
