(DNO)Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Rural Modernisation, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, Darron Lloyd has encouraged new students who will pursue studies in China to use the experience gained to contribute towards the national development of Dominica. He made the announcement during the 2023 Chinese Government Scholarship Awards ceremony held at the Fort Young Hotel recently.
This year 10 Dominican students were granted the opportunity to pursue university education through the Chinese Government Scholarship Program. They will pursue studies in the field of computer skills and technology, various fields of health and medicine, and architecture.
“Use the experience and expertise that you will gain in China and return to your country and contribute this to our national development efforts,” Lloyd encouraged.
He congratulated the new students and told them that this is going to be an opportunity of a lifetime.
“Out of the dozens, if not hundreds of Dominicans who have applied for this opportunity, you are the chosen few who were selected by this government for this scholarship opportunity and today we are proud to present you as unofficial ambassadors to the Commonwealth of Dominica,” he said.
Furthermore, the parliamentary secretary encouraged students to have an open mind to the possibilities in China and remain optimistic.
“I want to encourage you to maximize your time and resources, save your money, [and] invest in learning, especially the Chinese language,” he stated. It’s going to be difficult, but you don’t want to give up.”
Lloyd continued, “So when you go out there you are not only representing yourselves or your families, and whatever you do is a representation of Dominica.”
Lloyd who also pursued studies in China said becoming a member of parliament is definitely a result of the many gains he has received in China, “especially academically.”
He further advised students to establish a student council, something that he embarked on as a student, and it was successful.
“I would advise you to also do the same whereby you can relay challenges collectively as students and bring it to myself or to the embassy in China and we will try our best to see how we can assist,” he noted.
He added, “Very importantly Chinese people are very big on respect.”
Meanwhile, he implores students to avoid engaging in illegal activities, especially where smoking of marijuana is concerned.
“China has zero tolerance for illegal activities and drug abuse and you want to abstain from these activities,” Lloyd remarked. “If you engage in the recreational activity of smoking marijuana you will definitely be found, you will lose your scholarship and you will be deported.”
He continued, “Respect the Chinese culture, tradition, the people, the rules and laws of the land and the government.”
Lloyd acknowledged that China has been a great friend to Dominica and has supported the country’s economic development.
