Thousands Entertained by Puppet Troupe from China

MONTEGO BAY — Thousands of students from schools across St. James and adjoining parishes, as well as adults, were entertained on November 2 and 3 by the Puppet Troupe of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group of the People's Republic of China, at two performances at the Montego Bay Community College, in St. James.

The performances were organised by the Ministry of Youth and Culture, in association with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.  They formed part of a cultural exchange between Jamaica and China, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

Mayor of Montego Bay and Chairman of the St. James Parish Council, Glendon Harris, in welcoming the representatives from China to the City of Montego Bay, said the visit was a significant gesture towards the strengthening of relations between both countries and the economic spin-offs enjoyed in the past.

"We in Jamaica are this year celebrating 40 years of friendly relations with China and this visit is a part of what the Chinese have done to demonstrate their appreciation for the friendship between the two nations and parishes (which share a twinning relationship). We are really very grateful for this, because these kinds of events are limited in the City of Montego Bay,” the Mayor said.

He expressed the hope that the relationship between Jamaica and China will grow and impact the citizens in greater ways in the coming years.

Entertainer, Peter Lloyd of Montego Bay, who took his daughter to see the show, told JIS News that he was happy to have attended as a proud Jamaican and a resident of Montego Bay.

"I think this is wonderful as the Chinese culture is a part of the Jamaican culture and our theme, ‘out of many one people.' I really think this was a wonderful idea for them on their 40th anniversary to be present here as a community and being a part of our culture,” he said.

Member of the Twinning Commission, Leroy Peart, said that his team was grateful to have been associated with the social and cultural arrangement made between the two provinces and which continue to have positive effects on both peoples in more ways than one.

“We are extremely happy to be associated with this programme involving the puppet show. It is really the People’s Republic of China, in their social contribution to Jamaica’s 50th celebrations, that decided to participate by way of the ‘Charm of China Puppet Show’,” he said.

“The twinning Commission is also involved in encouraging a relationship between business persons in China and Montego Bay.  Presently we have negotiations going on to entertain businessmen in China, who may wish to set up businesses in Jamaica,” Mr. Peart told JIS News.

He pointed out that the puppet shows being staged in Jamaica at this time were designed to show another side to the Chinese, other than just the traditional retail traders and businessmen and businesswomen.