PM THOMAS TELLS GRENADIAN STUDENTS IN SHANGHAI TO PERSEVERE DESPITE CHALLENGES

By Michael Bascombe

In Shanghai

 

SHANGHAI, China, July 19, 2010 – Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has emphasised the need for Grenadian students to apply themselves to their studies, maintain discipline and be successful despite the challenges faced especially studying in foreign countries.

Mr. Thomas, who is attending the EXPO 2010 Shanghai, met with Grenadian students who are studying in this coastal Chinese city on Sunday.

Accompanied by his wife, along with Senator Arley Gill, Ambassador Marcelle Gairy, Councillor Richard Nixon and other staff members, the Prime Minister listened to the students explained their progression while studying at various universities in Shanghai. It’s the first time he has met with the Shanghai-based students though previous meetings have been held with students in Beijing.

“Your success here will be a crucial factor in encouraging other Grenadian students to apply for scholarships which are offered by the Government of China as well as other countries,” he said.

“The government will continue to provide these educational opportunities for our students since we see this as an important element of your development. Our hope is that you continue to apply yourself and remain focus,” said Prime Minister Thomas.

Senator Gill told the students that studying in China provides the opportunity of learning a foreign language and understanding the culture of a growing global economic powerhouse.

“Many of you (students) are now speaking a foreign language which is considered to be very difficult. But after one year here you are now fluent in the Chinese language and either beginning or continuing your studies,” said Senator Gill, who was responsible for securing funding for a 12-member cultural group to perform here this weekend.

The students commended Ambassador Gairy and the embassy for the improvement in regular contact between students and the embassy.

“The communication has improved since the arrival of Ambassador Gairy where she has also been in touch with our universities,” said Thera Alexander, a third-year student of Banking and International Finance at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.

They have also suggested that students who have received scholarships to study in China should take advantage of the language programme at the T.A. Marryshow Community College since it will give them an advantage in understanding some of the complexities of the Chinese language.

The students are also assisting the Grenada Embassy in some of the logistics at the Grenada booth including translation. Thera and Reecia Charles, another third-year student acted as interpreters for the Grenadian performers on the weekend. Thera was on stage during a 45-minute presentation by cultural ambassador Edson “Ajamu” Mitchell.

Two of the five Grenadian students who are studying in Shanghai will be transferring to the Beijing University of Science and Technology in September after completing one year of the Chinese Language.

The students who met with the Prime Minister were Thera Alexander, Reecia Charles, Jeneal Hezron-Henry and Leonard John. Both Hezron-Henry and John are transferring to Beijing to complete studies in Urban Planning and Communications Engineering respectively.