With much anticipation, scores of Chinese Diplomats turned out at the Norman Manley International Airport on Wednesday 11 February 2009 to welcome Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, along with a forty-member delegation team, who was making an official visit to Jamaica from 11-14 February 2009.

Chinese diplomats celebrating the arrival of the
Vice President at the Norman Manley International Airport

As the private aircraft landed, a throng of journalists and diplomats scurried to capture the moment.  The Vice President was greeted by a Jamaican delegation headed by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who was also accompanied by the head of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Chief of Defence Staff Major General Stewart Saunders. The JDF provided security and logistics support to complement the visit.

Later that evening, the repertoire of the Jamaica Military Band serenaded the Chinese officials at a reception hosted by the Prime Minister at Jamaica House.

Vice President Xi came to Jamaica for a three-day visit. During his stay he broke ground in Montego Bay signalling the official start of the construction of the long awaited Convention Centre. The multi-million-dollar project will be financed by the Chinese Government with major financial input from the Jamaican Government.

Last year alone the Chinese Government donated military logistic goods and offered special training courses to the Jamaica Defence Force valued at over US$500,000.

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