The Tribune

FREEPORT – A team of eye doctors from China will be arriving in The Bahamas in March to offer free medical services to persons suffering from various eye ailments.

The announcement came as Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr Michael Darville, officially welcomed Yuan Guisen, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China and Madame Yang Hong to Grand Bahama Island yesterday.

The Nassau based diplomat was making his first official visit to a Family Island since assuming his new position in late 2013.

He paid a courtesy call on Dr Darville at the Ministry for Grand Bahama, situated in the Harold DeGregory Complex on the Mall.

The recently appointed ambassador is a career diplomat of over 30 years, having served in European and Central Asian countries and the Republic of Ecuador.

The Bahamas and China established diplomatic relations on May 23, 1997.

Welcoming the ambassador and his party to Grand Bahama, Dr Darville said while the countries are separated by great distance, a close friendship has been maintained throughout the years and relationships will be strengthened in various areas such as trade, technical and cultural exchange, education and tourism.

“China’s contributions to the global community are commendable, and as their country evolves through its vast experience, wealth of knowledge and abundant resources, they continue to assist small island states such as The Bahamas, in their advancement,” he said.

The Minister told Ambassador Yuan that his visit to Grand Bahama re-affirms China’s commitment to put forth efforts that seek to further develop friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries.

The ambassador is scheduled to visit the industrial zone and get a first-hand experience of why Grand Bahama Island has established a first class reputation as a major maritime and transshipment centre.

Dr Darville encouraged the ambassador to help sell Grand Bahama as a place for medical research, particularly in the area of stem cells.

Both he and the ambassador said a team of eye doctors from China will be arriving in The Bahamas in March to offer free medical services to persons suffering from various eye ailments.

Ambassador Yuan said his decision to visit Grand Bahama first was because he had heard of the island’s potential for growth and development.

He advised Dr Darville that as a diplomat, he is always in contact with Chinese businessmen who are looking for investment opportunities.

He invited Dr Darville and his team at the Ministry for Grand Bahama to put a full list together of areas for potential investment on Grand Bahama that he can forward to other business people who may want to invest there.