Windhoek: Located in the northeastern Windward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Dominica lies far from China. Yet, the long distance has not hindered their friendship which has continued to flourish and bear gratifying results through a range of joint projects.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Dominica is primarily an agricultural nation, but it faced limitations in local crop varieties and modern agricultural techniques. To address these issues, the Chinese Agricultural Technical Mission, headed by Sun Haojie, partnered with the Dominican Ministry of Agriculture to establish a modern agricultural demonstration center. This initiative aimed to introduce improved crop varieties and modern farming methods. Since 2005, Sun and his team of Chinese experts have worked tirelessly to transform Dominica’s agriculture.
Despite challenges like language barriers and repeated hurricane damage, the Dominica-China Modern Agricultural Centre has emerged as a significant symbol of bilateral cooperation. It boasts 12 greenhouses, a smart greenhouse, a tissue culture lab, and two hydroponic systems, making it Dominica’s largest seedling base and technology hub. The center’s efforts have enabled local farmers to adopt new techniques and stabilize their incomes.
Over the last two decades, eight groups of Chinese experts have trained local farmers in various agricultural methods, helping shift Dominica’s agriculture from experience-based to technology-driven. In recognition of these contributions, Sun was awarded the Meritorious Service Award by President Sylvanie Burton during Dominica’s 45th independence anniversary celebrations in November 2023.
In addition to agriculture, the China Medical Team has played a vital role in enhancing Dominica’s healthcare system. Since 2009, ten batches of Chinese medical teams have provided training and high-quality medical services to address the shortage of medical professionals and equipment on the island. This year, significant medical breakthroughs were achieved, including Dominica’s first laparoscopic ureteroplasty and other pioneering procedures.
The Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, formerly the Princess Margaret Hospital, stands as a testament to this enduring partnership. Renamed in September 2019 to honor Chinese support, the hospital is now a beacon of hope and health for locals, as shared by many residents with Xinhua reporters.
Moreover, the construction of Goodwill Secondary School by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is part of the broader China-Aid Project aimed at rebuilding schools in Dominica post-Hurricane Maria. This project is expected to enhance educational facilities significantly, contributing to the island’s future development.
President Burton, in a recent interview, reflected on the swift assistance provided by China following Hurricane Maria in 2017. China’s support in constructing key facilities, including a stadium, has reinforced the mutual relationship between the two nations. “We are very good friends with China — and we hope that we can keep it that way,” President Burton stated.