Chinese project team awarded in Dominica for hospital rebuilding

Charles Angelo Savarin, president of the Commonwealth of Dominica, presented a medal of national honor to the Chinese construction team for their contribution to the rebuilding and expansion project of the country's Princess Margaret Hospital, during a ceremony to mark the country's 44th anniversary of independence on Nov 3.

Jiang Wei (R) receives the medal from Charles Angelo Savarin, president of the Commonwealth of Dominica, at the ceremony.

Cai Dianwei, chairman of the project's developer, a Central China's Hunan province-based construction investment company, Liu Yiqi, the project director, and Jiang Wei, head of the technician team of the project, were the recipients of the medal.

It was the first time for Chinese citizens to win the medal. The honor is granted to enterprises and individuals for their outstanding contribution to Dominica.

As a landmark project of China-Dominica cooperation, the rebuilding and expansion of the hospital was an important move for the country to improve local people’s livelihoods, which has been highly recognized by the government and all walks of life in the country.

Since the project broke ground in February 2016, its management team and technical team have worked hard under the instruction of the Chinese embassy in Dominica. Even during the Dengue fever outbreak, the 2017 Hurricane Maria, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese team managed to ensure its progress through efficient coordination despite various difficulties and challenges.

Through their constant efforts over the past six-plus years, the expanded hospital was handed over to the Dominican government in August. 

The China- Dominica Friendship Hospital

The government renamed the hospital to the China-Dominica Friendship Hospital to show its gratitude to China in September 2019. 

The head of the Pan American Health Organization said the hospital would be the top medical center in the Caribbean region after a visit to the hospital in November 2021. 

In his letter to Lin Xianjiang, Chinese ambassador to Dominica, in August 2022, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit expressed his sincere thanks to the project team on behalf of his government and people. He also hailed the hospital as a precious "gift" from China and praised its contribution to the China-Dominica friendship.