Chinese Embassy Welcomes Caribbean Youth Parliamentarians for Cultural Exchange

Youth parliamentarians from five Caribbean countries were hosted by China’s Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Jiang Wei, at a cultural exchange reception on Tuesday evening.

The representatives, from Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, are in St. John’s for a regional youth parliament meeting.

Hosted by the ambassador and Chinese Embassy staff, the evening featured several activities, including colouring Chinese characters on the China and Caribbean Friendship Wall at the entrance to the reception hall.

Ambassador Jiang welcomed the opportunity to meet the young representatives, describing their openness, confidence and energy as inspiring.

She said that while technology has made communication easier, meaningful understanding still requires direct engagement.

“Without face-to-face dialogue, misunderstandings and uncertainty often take root,” she said.

The ambassador encouraged young people to consider how they view one another, understand different development paths and find common ground while respecting differences. She expressed hope that exchanges such as the reception would strengthen friendship between young people in China and the Caribbean.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Osbert Frederick praised the youth parliamentarians for their contributions to debates earlier that day, saying their performances gave him confidence that the Caribbean’s future is in good hands.

Frederick described the presentations as impressive and encouraged participants to remain focused as they prepare for future leadership responsibilities in their countries and across the region.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle also attended the reception, along with Senators Maleika Parker and Jonathan Whenner.