The University of Guyana, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana, on Monday, 15 June 2026, hosted two major cultural and educational events, further strengthening the longstanding relationship between the two institutions. The two events were the launch of the China Book Corner at the University of Guyana Library and the 2026 Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Celebration at UG’s Turkeyen Campus.
The small but significant events brought together dignitaries, staff, students and other invited guests and were led by Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Her Excellency Yang Yang. The activities commenced at the University of Guyana Library with the unveiling of the China Book Corner, a dedicated space established through a donation of Chinese books from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana.
In her remarks at the unveiling of the China Book Corner, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin, highlighted the importance of education and cultural exchange in promoting greater understanding among nations.
“The understanding of ourselves as a global community is the cornerstone of any progress towards peace and stability in our world. Today, we celebrate not only our friendship with China but also our acknowledgement of its achievements and the importance of ensuring that our students and our country develop a deeper understanding of one of the world’s oldest civilisations,” Vice-Chancellor said.
Professor Mohamed Martin noted that the relationship between Guyana and China continues to grow through shared experiences, including education, cultural exchange, books, food, travel and personal connections.
She also expressed appreciation for China’s continued support to the University of Guyana, including previous contributions to campus development, while noting that the China Book Corner would further enhance the University’s collection and provide students with opportunities to learn more about China.
In her remarks, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Yang Yang, said the establishment of the China Book Corner represents another step in strengthening the partnership between the Embassy and the University of Guyana.
“Through these books, I hope you can better understand the real China, not only its achievements but also its challenges,” Ambassador Yang said.
She explained that the collection includes materials covering areas such as governance, poverty reduction, modernisation, democracy, the rule of law, environmental protection and China’s vision for global development.
The Ambassador said that while Guyana and China differ in size and population, both countries share common goals, including improving people’s lives, promoting development, encouraging innovation and respecting cultural diversity.
University Librarian, Dr Simone Bernard welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution that would expand access to knowledge and cultural understanding.
“The book donation will enable us to expand the horizons of our users, giving them access to new ideas, cultures and opportunities,” Dr Bernard said.
Following the unveiling of the China Book Corner, students, staff and guests gathered in the Education Lecture Theatre (ELT) for the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Event, hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana and the University of Guyana through the Confucius Institute.
The event attracted a large audience, with the ELT filled with members of the University community who participated in the cultural celebration, which featured traditional Chinese performances, cuisine and cultural activities.
Director of the Confucius Institute, Mr Al Creighton, explained the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival, known in China as the Duanwu Festival, and highlighted its history, traditions and cultural importance.
He noted that the festival is connected to the life and legacy of Chinese poet Qu Yuan and is marked by traditions including dragon boat racing and the sharing of traditional foods.
In her remarks at the Dragon Boat Festival Food and Culture Event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin welcomed the opportunity to showcase the richness of Chinese culture and cuisine while expressing appreciation to Ambassador Yang and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana for hosting the event.
Ambassador Yang emphasised that food provides a meaningful way for people to connect with different cultures. She explained that the dishes featured at the celebration represented different regions of China, including Cantonese dim sum and wontons, as well as northern Chinese baozi and soy milk.
The Ambassador also highlighted similarities between Guyanese and Chinese food traditions, noting the importance of food in bringing communities together.
The celebration featured cultural presentations by the Confucius Institute and provided attendees with the opportunity to sample a variety of Chinese foods and drinks while engaging in cultural activities.
Please click here for photos of the Unveiling of the China Book Corner:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11vfncDSm3gLqEjI9t7y1NKw5NAfypqLe/view?usp=drive_link
Please Click here for Photos of the Dragon Boat Food Festival:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MXARiC7DtNTYKD_YbZy8X0WGUH_rVb0M
