Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates the Official Opening of New Comprehensive Building and Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory Through Bilateral Agricultural Cooperation: Article by: Tyreke G. Thomas-Horsford
Today marks a historic milestone in the advancement of agriculture in Antigua and Barbuda as the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy proudly celebrated the official opening of the new Comprehensive Building and Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory.
This significant achievement was made possible through the continued Bilateral Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China. The facility represents more than a new structure; it symbolizes friendship, innovation, knowledge sharing, and a shared commitment toward building a stronger and more sustainable agricultural future.
The ceremony brought together government officials, representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, Yuan Long Ping Agricultural High-Tech Co. Ltd., CTEXIC management and staff, members of the Ministry, stakeholders, and invited guests to witness this important occasion.
The official programme was moderated by the Senior Research Officer of the Crop Research and Development Division, who guided the proceedings and welcomed participants through a ceremony that highlighted collaboration, progress, and agricultural transformation.
The programme featured the national anthems of both countries, opening remarks from representatives of Yuan Long Ping Agricultural High-Tech Co. Ltd., remarks from Her Excellency Jiang Wei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda, and special remarks from Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official unveiling and opening of the Comprehensive Building. The ceremonial ribbon cutting was conducted by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy; and Her Excellency Jiang Wei, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Antigua and Barbuda. This symbolic moment officially marked the opening of the doors to the new facility and reinforced the strong partnership and friendship shared between Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.
Guests were also treated to a special cultural dance performance during the entertainment segment, showcasing creativity, culture, and the spirit of celebration.
Following the formal proceedings, guests participated in a guided tour of the newly constructed facility, including the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory. This laboratory represents the place where agriculture meets science. It will enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity for agricultural research, training, innovation, and the development of improved plant production techniques.
Most importantly, this critical facility empowers the nation to strengthen food sovereignty and food security by supporting sustainable farming solutions, improved crop development, and modern agricultural practices.
The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China, the Embassy of China in Antigua and Barbuda, Yuan Long Ping Agricultural High-Tech Co. Ltd., CTEXIC management and staff both locally and in China, the Local Bilateral Committee, Ministry staff, partners, media personnel, caterers, dancers, and everyone who contributed to making this historic occasion a success.
Together, we continue cultivating a future built on innovation, cooperation, sustainable agriculture, food security, and prosperity for generations to come.
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WONDERFUL NEWS 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩
Big up Anthony Smith Jr. And his Team
Where is the Lab located???
Hon. Anthony Smith really thriving since leaving dunce party.
Still don’t know where it is located. What is the capacity of building? And how will farmers benefit?
The Chinese people have done so much for us, that without their assistance i don’t think Antigua and Barbuda development would be that far. Our main Ports of Entries, the VC Bird Int’l Airport our Sea Port, Deep Water Harbour our stadium Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and many many more development buildout. And the crown jewel of the Boobey Alley will soon be handed over. Free houses. I mean, will someone tell me that the USA will look at us one day and tell us we need to break friendship with China because they do not like the relationship we have established. And if we don’t they will cripple our country like they do with Cuba and any other country that doesn’t do as they say. I pray to God that day never ever comes.
Many thanks to the People and Government of the Peoples Republic of China. May God bless your country and people with many more as you are a cheerful giver. No strings attached. Because a small country like ours has nothing to give in return anyway.
@LESS WE FORGET: DO NOT PAY BACK THOSE CHINESE LOANS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.DO YOU THINK,THE CHINESE ARE GIFTING YOU THINGS WITH NOT AN AIM IN VIEW.THE CHINESE DO HAVE ANTIGUA IN ITS BACKSIGHT AND FORESIGHT.WHEN THE TIME COMES ALL THEY HAVE TO DO,PULL THE TRIGGER.
Boobey Alley is not a loan but a gift, Sir Vivian Richard Stadium is not a Loan but a gift. And all other social housing projects in the pipeline are loans. And a loan is an obligation that you undertake. Antigua and Barbuda has a loan on the book for decades to the PARIS CLUB
Antigua and Barbuda owes the Paris Club a total of US$141.7 million.Official data released by the Club de Paris breaks down the outstanding debt as follows:Non-Official Development Assistance (NODA) claims: US$137.9 millionOfficial Development Assistance (ODA) claims: US$3.8 millionAge of the LoansThe country’s outstanding obligations do not stem from a singular loan, but rather a “block” of legacy debts that are between 40 and 60 years old.Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly highlighted two prominent historical loans within this portfolio:The US Exim Bank Loan (~60 years old): This loan dates back to 1966 (originally for the construction of Antigua’s Deep Water Harbour under British colonial
So why do you even think that if we do not pay the Chinese they will not demand payment in some form or not.
https://antiguanewsroom.com/sir-lester-bird-medical-centre-chinese-loan-fully-repaid-within-past-six-months/
If you have a mortgage with a bank and default of your obligation the bank will auction your house. China will have of course build in protection incase the loans they have given are not repaid. And let me give you a little secret. During the UPP time in office they defaulted on the Airport Loan and guess what China had to do. They loan the government money through the Embassy to repay the loan. Like left hand given to right hand to give back to left hand.
Secondly Chinese Loans have the best terms one can ask for. Lowest Interest rate and a moratorium of a couple of years.
Antiguans and Barbudan should be a little more grateful and show it. Ungratefulness is worse than Witchcraft