Hon. Dr.. Baldwin Spencer

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda,

Hon. Trevor Walker, Minister of Public Works with responsibility for Barbuda Affairs

H.E. David Shoul, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the People's Republic of China

Mr. Kelvin Punter, Chairman of the Barbuda Council

Mr. Zhao Mai, General Manager of Construction Site, Beijing Construction Engineering Group

Reverent Patrick Thomas, Pastor of the Wesleyan Holiness Church

Distinguished guests and friends

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

The launching of the Barbuda Community Centre Project is of great significance, for it links to the direct and immediate interests of the people of this island.

For that purpose and for that purpose only, at request of the government of Antigua and Barbuda headed by Prime Minister Hon, Baldwin Spencer on behalf of the people of Barbuda, Chinese government has come to the assistance of installation of this new social and cultural facility for the community of Barbuda.

Barbuda, one the twin islands of the country, is at this time seeing a historic movement. Since we started diplomatic relations with Antigua and Barbuda, China concerns Barbuda for its development. Now the time has come for the people of this island to enjoy the friendly and fruitful cooperation between our two countries in the solid expression of the Barbuda Community Centre.

The Centre when set up will consists of over 28,000 square feet with an Administration Office, Computer/Reading Room, Catering Kitchen, Gym, Bathroom facilities, Car Park, Storage and a Multi-purpose room.  At maximum capacity, it can accommodate a total of 150 people in various function rooms, meaning at same time one tenth population of Barbuda can stay together under the same roof in one place, the Barbuda Community Centre. Isn't that good and lovely scene to see when the project is done?  Though today is only the beginning, yet I have already sent my eyes forth into the future when this breaking ground become magnificent and beautiful building and see with my mind eyes then the joyfulness of the total population of this very island.

China and Antigua and Barbuda are separated by probably the longest distance in the world as we are living in 12 hours time difference areas. But ten thousand miles away by oceans and mountains can not separated our friendship and cooperation. When China was struck hard by a devastated strong earthquake last month, at the first time Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer sent to the Chinese premier the sympathy message on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda, evidencing the fraternity of this country. China, as the biggest populated country, has many draconian challenges and problems to tackle internally and externally including the recent several detrimental natural disasters.  But Chinese government and people still sense and care the far away urgent needs of Barbuda people, only wanting to see no any delay to this project. And now we are here.

This Barbuda people loving project of the Community Centre will be built by Beijing Construction Engineering Group of China. The company is at movement being engaged in constructing 30-megawatt Power Generating Plant and renovating Gray's Hill  Reservoir in Antigua island.  So far they have been doing very well. And you may see the two projects on the mid way undertaking for your encouragement. This company is well known in China for its good reputation on high standard in quality and with efficiency. You may rest assured that the job will be left on the reliable and hard working hands and be finished on time and up to the requirement.

Talking of the Barbuda Community Centre, my recommendations are liked to give to the Antigua and Barbuda friends. First I would say it is Hon. Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer who has initiated and lead Barbuda Community Centre becoming into being. I would also present my appreciation to Hon. Minister Trevor Walker for his diligent efforts in advancing the project. My thanks as well go to H.E. Ambassador David Shoul for his never tired work and coordinating efforts to pave the path and smooth the job proceeded forward. Deserving the gratitude equally are the Council of Barbuda and the people of this island for their facilitating this wonderful job to be done soon. Last not the least, many other friends present here or in the other island have in one way or another contributed their efforts to the success of today's opening ceremony.     

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to express my happiness on seeing the official ground breaking ceremony for the Barbuda Community Centre. And I keep my fingers crossed for the outstanding installation and completion of the project on schedule, and further challenge to the Chinese technicians and workers on the site to work out your best performance so that the high quality of this facility will satisfy the direct and immediate concerns of all the people of Barbuda. Finally I am sure that the emerging of new magnificent looking Barbuda Community Centre will add to the beauty of this emerald island as a landmark monument, attracting more fascinated tourists to visit this paradise of land in the future.   

Thank you.