ALMOST 100 BARBADIANS are expected to benefit from the arrival of the Chinese hospital ship Ark Peace, which is scheduled to arrive in the island tomorrow.
This is according to Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, David Bulbulia, who explained today during an interview with the Barbados Government Information Service that the medical services would be given to those persons who had been referred by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, polyclinics and the Barbados Defence Force (BDF).
He further pointed out the Ministry had facilitated the visit of the ship, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China “given the exceptional nature of the visit”. He added that it was the first time that a Chinese military ship would dock in this country’s waters, along with providing medical services to select members of the public.
The ship is expected to dock near the Barbados Coast Guard Headquarters, where it will be welcomed by a number of government officials, representatives from the Chinese Embassy, and members of the Chinese community.
In addition to the provision of medical services, officials on board the ship will meet with key government representatives during the seven days that the ship will remain here.
Members of the ship’s Maintenance Unit are also expected to visit the BDF, to participate in a number of activities, including training and the maintenance of medical equipment, while those from other units will go to the Violet Gittens Centre and the Vauxhall Senior Citizens’ Home to donate cultural and sports equipment and participate in other exercises.
While the ship is berthed here, students and other members of the public will be allowed to tour the vessel. (BGIS)
