Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong’s Remarks at the Closing Ceremony and Hand-over Ceremony of Medical Equipment of the Brightness Action Initiative

The Hon. Prime Minister Philip Davis,
the Hon. Minister Michael Darville,
ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure to attend the closing ceremony and to hand over medical equipment to the Government of The Bahamas. This collaborative Brightness Action Initiative is about light over darkness, bringing hope and changing lives. I wish to express sincere appreciation to the Chinese medical team for their dedication and sacrifice, and to our Bahamian colleagues for their close collaboration. I want to thank Prime Minister Davis for his leadership and guidance, and Minister Darville for his support and considerate arrangements for the Chinese doctors and nurses.

As Dr Li just explained in her remarks, these 203 surgeries have posed challenges for both the Chinese Medical Team and the Bahamian medical personnel. Many of the cases were highly complex. Despite all these challenges, the Chinese and Bahamian doctors and nurses worked hand in hand and proved that together, no difficulty is insurmountable for us.

I am moved by the touching stories that Dr Li shared with us a moment ago. Obviously, this Initiative strengthened bonds between our two peoples. It has brought new momentum to China-Bahamas friendly cooperation.

As the world and the region are in turmoil, I am happy to see that the Brightness Action, as a well-being project, made a beautiful beginning for China-Bahamas relations in 2026. Benefiting the people has always been a distinctive feature of China-Bahamas relations, alongside equality, mutual respect, openness, and inclusiveness. With vision, we see far. With vision, we can nurture the China-Bahamas partnership and friendship towards a brighter future. No matter how the international and regional situation changes, China will continue to develop relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas.

Medical and public health cooperation has always been a highlight of our bilateral relations. In 2014 and 2015, Chinese experts performed free cataract surgeries for more than 200  patients in Nassau and Grand Bahama. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China and The Bahamas supported each other during difficult times. Currently, China and The Bahamas are collaborating closely to construct a state-of-the-art new hospital, utilizing China's concessional loans. In addition, later this year, China and The Bahamas will jointly host a public health forum, and more than 20 Bahamian public health officials will visit China for exchanges and capacity building.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the seeds we have planted today will continue to bear rich fruit. May the light ignited by the Brightness Action continue to shine in the hearts of our peoples and on the path of our shared future.

Thank you.