The People’s Republic of China has been lauded for its assistance in ensuring Barbados remains a leader in the electric bus system in the Caribbean.
This came today as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works (MTW), Santia Bradshaw met with new Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, Zheng Bingkai, during a courtesy call at the Ministry’s temporary headquarters, Goddard Building, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.
The courtesy call preceded the official handover ceremony of 30 electric buses, which were donated by the Chinese government. The buses had already been in operation on island, since earlier this year.
The Deputy Prime Minister, noting the tangible benefits which Barbados had derived from China, over the years, said: “We are grateful for the assistance which China has given to Barbados and we look forward to continuing that relationship that has certainly been set in motion by your predecessors and to strengthening the relationship while you are on island…
“We are excited to be able to add more to that fleet. I believe another 35 are coming which we have now purchased…They will be on island by the end of this year, so we would want to have those in operation by early next year. And that would set Barbados way apart from the rest of the region in terms of making the transition to a fully electric fleet of buses.”
The DPM added that Barbados was also exploring the sourcing of additional buses for school children to be able to have a dedicated fleet and was looking at the routes to see how these could be supported. She told Ambassador Zheng: “While this morning is coming several months after the buses have been on island, I think we have been awaiting your presence on island so we could do the official handover of the new buses.”
Discussion also centred on China’s donation of solar lights to Barbados. Minister Bradshaw noted that progress was being made to ensure these would soon light our roads and highways. Expressing gratitude to the Ambassador, she stated: “The lights have arrived and we have been working with a local team to start the deployment of those particular lights across the country, in the coming weeks as well.”
The Ambassador and his team were assured by Minister Bradshaw that while on island they would have the opportunity to see and be a part of this lighting transformation.
Ambassador Zheng, while commending Barbados, noted he had seen a lot of support for China from Barbados and stressed this was the foundation of the friendship between the two countries. He acknowledged his admiration for Barbados and agreed that there was a need to continue deepening cooperation between the two countries.
China and Barbados established diplomatic relations on May 30, 1977. (PR/MTW)
Top The official signing ceremony for the handover of 30 electric buses, donated by the People’s Republic of China to Barbados’ Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) and the Transport Board. (Photo by W. Murray/MTW)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works, Santia Bradshaw, Chinese Ambassador to Barbados, His Excellency Zheng Bingkai, Chief Operations Officer Lynda Holder and Quality Assurance Officer, Robert Carrington of the Transport Board, viewing one of the donated electronic buses outside of MTW’s temporary headquarters – Goddard Building, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael. (Photo by W. Murray/MTW)