During his visit in Trinidad and Tobago, Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended a commencement ceremony of a hospital for Children in the western town of Couva. The project is being carried out with help from the Chinese Government. And Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamala Persad Bissessar said it is very close to her heart.
In Trinidad and Tobago, where medical services for children are limited, many have to go abroad for treatments. But things are set to improve.
A specialized hospital for children is under construction with help from China. It is expected to be finished by April 2015, and will have 230 beds.
The initial investment is over $160 million. The hospital will be the first of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago, and also the Caribbean area.
Though geographically far apart, China and Trinidad and Tobago have had long standing friendly ties. Trinidad and Tobago's first governor general after independence as a commonwealth country, Sir Solomon Hochoy, and his wife were from the local Hakka Chinese community.
Mrs. Hochoy was keen to promote medical conditions for children in the country. In 1961, she founded a charity organization to take care of disabled orphans.
Its staff are pleased about the new hospital. China will also help to build a training center for medical workers in Couva. For children in this Caribbean country, this could just be the best gift for this year's Childrens' Day .
(CNTV.cn June 2, 2013) |