For the second time in three years, the Ark Peace, China’s Medical Naval Ship, berthed onto the shores of Grenada on Tuesday 3 October 2018 and will leave on Sunday 7 October.

The Ship, which is expected to provide free medical assistance to Grenadians during its 6-day visit, comes fully equipped with over 300 personnel and medical professionals including Neurologists, Surgeons, Radiologists, Dermatologists, Biomedical Engineers, and Psychologists. The Ship, to date, has visited 37 countries and attended to more than 180,000 persons worldwide. During the first visit in 2015, the Ark Peace saw over 8000 Grenadian patients.

During the Welcome Ceremony which was held at the Melville Street Cruise Ship Terminal on Tuesday morning, China’s Ambassador to Grenada, HE Dr. Zhao Yongchen referred to the Ark Peace as one of China’s national prides. “With the spirit of ‘Peace, Harmony, Health and Cooperation’, the ship not only provide first-class and free medical service to the visiting countries but also spreads Chinese people’s sincerity and friendship globally. It is a large maritime medical platform designed and built solely by China.”

According to Ambassador Yongchen, “The second visit by Ark Peace within three years fully demonstrates the special close relations between our two governments and people.”

Sharing similar sentiments was Hon Peter David, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who used the opportunity to thank the People’s Republic of China for the visit of the Ark Peace and for the cooperation that exists between the two countries. “There has been cooperation in health, agriculture, community development, diplomatic and political cooperation.”

David added that “the cooperation with the People’s Republic of China is deep as it is wide, and I want to express our deepest gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their continued support for the development of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.” He went on to say that he believes that this cooperation with Grenada is an example of the kinds of collaboration that we want with other countries. He urged Grenadians to take advantage of the Ship’s services.

Also addressing the gathering was Rear Admiral Guan Bailin, Commander of Mission Harmony. He noted that the Ship’s second visit to Grenada is “just like a reunion of old acquaintances.” He stated too that teams from the Ship would be visiting different communities around the island as well as outlying islands.

Hon Nickolas Steele, Minister for Health, was also present at the Ceremony. He described the Ship’s second visit to the island as rare and significant but very much appreciated. “This milestone is marked and measured by a visit of a vessel from the people’s liberation army. It is a testament [to] what can be done when state resources are used for the benefit of the people. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we all focus on what is most important, our people.”

He referred to the relationship between Grenada and China as one that is continuously growing from strength to strength which also brings tremendous benefits to the people of Grenada. “We cannot measure the difference that was made with respect to just simple checkups, lives that may have been saved that will go on for generations to leave a mark from the relationships between our two countries.”