From October 12 to 13, 2024, the 17th annual Chinese Bicentennial Dragon Boat Festival and the third China-Trinidad and Tobago Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race were successfully held at Williams Bay, Chaguaramas.

On October 13, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobaog, Mr. Yang Han, graced the prize-giving ceremony and presented medals to the winning teams. Also in attendance were Mr. Patrice Charles, Assistant Director Physical Education and Sport at Ministry of Sport and Community Development; Mr. Franco Siu Chong, President of the Chinese Bicentennial Limited; Mr. Darren Joseph, President of Trinidad and Tobago Dragon Boat Federation; and Mr. Peter Campell, Manager of National Parks and Customer Services at Chaguaramas Development Authority.

In his remarks, Mr. Yang noted that the dragon boat festival has become a prominent fixture in the T&T’s calendar of events, recognized as a highly significant sports and cultural celebration. This festival highlights the vital role that the Chinese community in T&T has played in shaping the development of local communities and contributing to the rich, multifaceted cultural tapestry while bridging and fostering greater understanding between the two countries.

He stressed that in this year of the dragon, as China and Trinidad and Tobago honorably commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties, this auspicious dragon boat festival serves to advocate the friendship and further foster in-depth cooperation between both nations.

More than 20 dragon boat teams competed fiercely yet enjoyably, breaking the tides and paddling with unity and resilience. The Chinese Art and Culture Studies Society and the Chinese Steel Ensemble entertained the large numbers of athletes and spectators.