by H E Wei Hongtian, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada
Dear brothers and sisters of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, it is with both sad and sweet emotion that I am about to end my tour of duty as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
As I prepare to leave this beautiful and welcoming tri-island nation, where I have served for 4 years and 7 months, I am filled with a sense of reluctance and wistful regret — but also with deep pride.
It’s a great honour and a responsibility for me to represent China as Ambassador in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, and the past 4 and 7 months have been the most remarkable and fulfilling period of my diplomatic career. As I reflect on my time and experience in Grenada, it fills my heart with immense gratitude, joy and happiness for the friendship we have forged, the partnership we have strengthened, the tangible results of cooperation we have achieved, and the strong bonds we have built between our 2 countries and 2 peoples. In this regard, I am proud to say that China–Grenada friendly relations and cooperation have reached new heights through our joint efforts.
Guided by the spirit of sincere partnership, mutual respect, equality and win-win result, we have worked side by side to strengthen our practical cooperation. Since my arrival in December 2020, we have witnessed together the fruitful outcomes of our cooperation: the handover of the Low-income Housing Project in 5 sites respectively, the completion of the Technical Cooperation Project of the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, the transition of Agricultural Technical Cooperation from Phase 7 to Phase 8, the completion of the Maurice Bishop International Airport Upgrade Project and the successful handover of the Renovation Project of the National Cricket Stadium. And what I am proud of is that, apart from the frequent official interactions with relevant ministries, authorities and institutions, over the past several years, I and my colleagues in the embassy have been pursuing a down-to-earth working approach and trying our best to be grounded with the local people at the grassroot level.
Based on this endeavour, we implemented more than a dozen of various community-level projects with fund support from the Chinese side. I’m proud to say that I’ve had the privilege of visiting every parish, every constituency, many communities, villages, farms, Homes for the Aged, Centres for the Children, and sparing no effort to bring those community projects into realities. Furthermore, our 2 countries supported each other during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 9 batches of medical supplies donated by China made good sense in the fight against the deadly virus. Consultation and cooperation in the fields of climate change and natural disaster prevention and relief have also been significant, while extensive people-to-people and cultural exchanges, government scholarship programmes, and human resource training programmes have not only added strong momentum to the bilateral relations but also brought our 2 peoples closer.
I especially want to mention that, led by the Chinese Embassy in Grenada, it was very fantastic that the Chinese community participated in the Carnival Parade and showed a unique traditional Chinese cultural performance. From the sweet rhythms of the steelpan to the vibrant spectacle of lion and dragon dances, we came together to enjoy cultural diversity and creativity. As we danced side by side, it felt like we were not just sharing performances, but our stories, our history, and our dreams. It is these heartfelt moments of cultural exchange, where we truly feel each other’s spirit, that have built friendships I believe will last long beyond my time here.
After mentioning the above, it is worth to say that the support is mutual, while China provides assistance and help to Grenada, we always enjoy strong support from Grenada especially on international affairs and China related issues, including the one-China principle, which China is highly grateful to.
The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between our 2 countries. As Hon. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell once remarked that: “The seed which was planted back in 2005 has blossomed into a tree that is bearing fruits for both the people of Grenada and China.” Indeed, this image of a tree — rooted in friendship, nourished by mutual respect and win-win cooperation— has always resonated deeply with me. Twenty years of cordial relationship, sincere partnership, pragmatic cooperation and profound friendship have gained fruitful results, and Hon. Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell’s successful visit to China early this year has made our bonds stronger. The Chinese side is ready to effectively implement all the 15 Agreements and MOUs signed between China and Grenada since January this year, especially the 2 Agreements on Economic and Technical Cooperation, in which contain grant assistance from China, and we expect more practical cooperation results in the coming years.
As I am going to say goodbye to Grenadian brothers and sisters, I have a profound sense of confidence in the sustainable socio-economic development of Grenada and a brighter future of China–Grenada relations and cooperation. The friendship-tree will continue to grow, its branches reaching wider, its roots growing deeper. China remains a committed and steadfast friend and partner to Grenada, and I am excited to see even greater achievements unfold in the years ahead.
As diplomats often say, the places where they are posted become like a second hometown. Grenada has truly become my second home — a place that has touched my heart in ways words can hardly describe. I will carry with me the most precious memories: the vibrant hues of the sunset over Grand Anse Beach in the mainland and Paradise Beach in Carriacou, the rolling emerald hills of Grand Etang and the fragrant spice gardens and nutmeg plantations that breathe life and soul into this beautiful island country. I will forever cherish the taste of the hearty, flavourful oil down, the irresistible rhythm of calypso and soca music that stir the spirit, the amazing performance of Short Knee and the deep cultural pride and creative spirit embodied in Carnival and Jab Jab. But above all, it is the incredible friendliness, warmth, kindness and hospitality of Grenadian brothers and sisters that have left the deepest mark on me. These memories are etched in my heart and will remain a part of who I am — a lasting gift that I will treasure forever.
I enjoy all my time, my work and friendship in Grenada. I love Grenada! I have deep feeling for Grenada! Grenada will be in my heart forever!
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Grenada, as well as friends from all walks of life, who have offered me support, assistance, kindness, and guidance during my tenure. I am deeply honoured to have served here and grateful for the unforgettable moments we have shared.
May this beautiful country enjoy lasting peace and prosperity!
May the people of Grenada live in happiness and well-being!
And may the friendship between China and Grenada endure forever!
