Chinese Embassy gives generous donation to NCF
THE Embassy of the People’s Republic of China has donated thousands of dollars in equipment to the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).
On Thursday the Embassy officially presented computer servers, laptops, and office furniture worth a total of BDS$70 000.
Making remarks during the handing over ceremony which took place at the NCF West Terrace, St James headquarters, Ambassador Yan Xiusheng, said he hoped that the equipment will adequately support the Foundation’s capacity building in terms of organising cultural and festival events as well as promoting the development of cultural and creative industry of Barbados.
“Culture is the unique identity of a nation and a country. Since I came to Barbados in early January this year, I have been overwhelmed by the passionate, open and inclusive culture of Barbados and lost myself in beautiful Soca and Calypso music, in addition to the finest rum and tasty Bajan food.”
“As a cultural agent at the national level, the NCF carries the responsibility to foster and support the various forms of art and new cultural products as well as to oversee and promote the development of Barbados’ cultural industry.”
“It has been playing an indispensable role in observing and carrying forward the Barbados traditional culture, improving the international reputation of Barbados’ creative industries and organising featured cultural events including the Crop Over festival,” Xiusheng said.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the NCF, Cranston Browne, who thanked the Embassy for the generous donation, said that in recent years, the Foundation enjoyed a mutually supportive relationship with the Barbados Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
“This alliance has included a demonstrated commitment to a cultural exchange and to a mutual development between our two nations that has also seen the NCF providing technical, event planning and operational assistance in the successful hosting of various performing arts troupes visiting the island from China. And many of its Diplomats and others in the mission have embraced our culture through exposure to events like Grand Kadooment,” Browne said. (AH)