THE People’s Republic of China (PRC) recently handed over an outboard motor (OBM) ray boat and a Yamaha engine worth SBD100, 484.00 to John Patterson College, also known as Luesalemba Provincial Secondary School (PSS), in Santa Cruz, Temotu Province.
The handover ceremony on Thursday 31 July was held at the Y. Sato Marine Office at Point Cruz. It was attended by representatives of the Chinese Embassy, Temotu Nende Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Jasper Me’esa, the Director of Y. Sato Marine Yoshiyuki Sato and Sales Manager Tom Kana.
The 23-feet long outboard motor ray boat and Enduro 40-horsepower engine will enable the school to transport sick students and staff to and from Lata Hospital, assist students and staff to return home during school holidays, and even help nearby communities in times of need.
The Head of Political Division at the Chinese Embassy Gu Wenlong expressed special thanks to Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende Stephen Kumi for helping the embassy to communicate with the community of Nende and make the handover ceremony possible.
“We are happy to see that under the support of Temotu people, Temotu Province also join other provinces in participating in the benefits from the China-Solomon Islands cooperation.
“Temotu province begins its cooperation with China’s Hunan Province after signing a Letter of Intent last month.
“In the coming future, the embassy will try our best to facilitate your cooperation, encouraging Hunan to offer more support to Temotu, and bring more tangible benefit to Temotu Province,” Mr Gu added.
CDO Me’esa, on behalf of Lueselemba PSS and Temotu Nende Constituency Office, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese Embassy for accepting their application and generously providing the items.
He extended his deep appreciation to Y. Sato Management for kindly allowing the venue for the handover ceremony and for their invaluable support to the constituency’s work.
The OBM and engine are expected to arrive in Lata this week by ship.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
