The date for the Fourth Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS)4 is
fast approaching with host country, Antigua and Barbuda putting in place all the
facilities necessary for a successful conference.
Several friendly governments have come forward to donate funds as well as
equipment to help the Antigua and Barbuda government meet its obligations to
provide a first-class facility for the conference.
In this regard, the People’s Republic of China has donated more than US$1 million
worth of equipment specifically to be used for the conference.
A formal signing ceremony for the handover of the equipment took place at the
Office of the Prime Minister on Monday morning with Prime Minister, Gaston
Browne and PRC Ambassador Zhang Yanling participating.
“According to the needs of the conference and also based on necessary discussions,
the government of China has agreed to provide a batch of equipment; including
audio-visual equipment, teleprompters, LED lights, explosive detectors among
other vital equipment and devices. The conference starts very soon so we are glad
that this equipment has already arrived in the country,” Ambassador Zhang
reported.
The ambassador said she is very happy to be able to present the equipment to the
Antigua and Barbuda government with the expectation that the conference would
be a successful one. She added that this gift is just the latest manifestation of the
strong bonds of friendship between Antigua and Barbuda and China that has been
ongoing for the past 41-years.
“This relationship has always been underpinned by mutual respect and mutual
support. China always stands ready to help in times of need and China always
honours its commitment. It is also a continuation of China’s support for Antigua
and Barbuda to play a greater role on the multilateral fronts. We are of the view
that at a time when international challenges are continuously affecting people’s
daily lives, we should work together much more than ever to solve them. China
therefore, looks forward to joining with Antigua and Barbuda to make more
contributions to the sustainable development of other states,” she remarked.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne accepted the donations on behalf of the
government and people of Antigua and Barbuda. He said the government could not
have afforded to purchase these equipment as it did not have the resources to do so
and he expressed his government’s ‘eternal gratitude’ to the government and
people of China for the timely donation. He identified the equipment as;
1. 7 walk-through metal detectors
2. 12-X-ray inspection systems
3. 10-hand-held metal detection devices
4. 2 hand-held multiband contraband detectors
5. 1 desk-top explosives and narcotics trace detectors
6. 9 broadcast-grade video cameras
7. 3 video-camera monitors
8. 1 audio-video conferencing system
9. 2 teleprompters
10. 1 video switcher
11. 1 LED display
12. 1,100 flexi-glass transparent name shelves
13. 3 colour laser jet printers
14. 10 desktop computers
