Chinese Peace Ark crew honoured |02 November 2010

Held on Sunday evening, the event served to officially thank the government of China and the crew of the Peace Ark for the medical services given over the past week.

The Peace Ark, led by Rear Admiral Bao Yuping, arrived in Seychelles last Wednesday and has over the part few days, been giving a variety of onboard medical services to the Seychellois people.

A total of 139 people were treated with 19 operations done. The crew also visited Praslin, where they provided medical assistance, donated medicine, computers, and gave lectures.

Present at Sunday’s gathering were the Minister for Health Erna Athanasius, Minister for Social Development and Culture Bernard Shamlaye, technical adviser to the Minister for Health Dr Bernard Valentin, a number of principal secretaries, Chinese ambassador to Seychelles Wang Weiguo, Commander Bao Yuping and staff of the Victoria hospital.

Dr Athanasius and Commander Bao, along with Ambassador Wang, joined in planting a tree -- an elephant apple tree, which is said to originate from Asia -- in front of the Ministry of Health’s headquarters at the Victoria Hospital.

Addressing those present, Dr Athanasius said Seychelles and China share a common vision for world peace, prosperity and harmony.

“For over thirty years now, China has been a very concerned and generous supporter of the Ministry of Health of Seychelles.

“Many of my staff have visited China, some on more than one occasion. China has provided many of my staff not only with invaluable training but also with comprehensive field experience, which will assist us in improving all aspects of our health services,” she said.

“For many years now, China has been consistently generous in sending doctors and other medical professionals to the Ministry of Health.”

The minister spoke about some of the many examples of China’s generosity to Seychelles, such as groups of doctors and volunteers coming to help with specialised care services and the building of a brand new hospital at Anse Royale.

She added that the Peace Ark, on its first international mission, arrived here last week when we were celebrating our Creole Festival and was thus a fitting coincidence that it got here during the celebration of a culturally diverse nation.

After the speeches, tokens of appreciations were exchanged, and a moment later, dozens of glasses could be heard clinking as Seychellois and Chinese joined Dr Athanasius and Commander Bao in a toast.

The Chinese guests were given a taste of the Creole culture, as a group of dancers performed some traditional dances, which they then tried out for themselves. The rest of the evening was spent socializing.
The Peace Ark left Port Victoria yesterday morning.