Hon. Minister of Immigration and National Insurance Alfred Sears, Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, Dr. Juliette Storr, distinguished guests. Good evening.

Great honor to attend the premiere.

I want to extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Storr and her team for producing a powerful and deeply moving film.

I also want to thank Mrs. Ann Marie Davis for inviting the Chinese Embassy to be a lead sponsor.

This documentary depicts Bahamians’ emotional trauma inflicted by hurricanes. I’m sure it will arouse people’s awareness and motivate action in such essential areas.

As a diplomat, I also feel concerned. Concerned about the world. As the UN SG said several weeks ago, “We have entered an age of reckless disruption and relentless human suffering.” Conflicts are multiplying, displacement is rising, and the climate crisis is striking with growing frequency.

    None of these global challenges can be solved by any nation alone. They demand partnership. They demand cooperation. Against this background, the Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative, calling for sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach, and real results. In these testing times, we must choose cooperation over chaos, partnership over rivalry.

    China and The Bahamas have been good friends and good partners. We are very grateful that the Bahamas supported “One China Principle” (on Taiwan) and on multilateral issues. China always helps with tangible actions. After Hurricane Dorian, the Chinese government provided US$600,000 in cash and material assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China sent 13 anti-epidemic supplies to The Bahamas. China has also offered support through the China-Caribbean Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Fund and provided capacity-building training for consecutive years.  

Today, I am here to show again that China is your strong and genuine partner. China will continue to walk side by side with The Bahamas — to meet climate and pandemic challenges.

Once again, I wish the project every success.

Thank you.