Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - As the Chinese Hospital Ship “Peace Ark” was winding up its visit, appropriately entitled “Harmony”, to Trinidad and Tobago, where its doctors attended to hundreds of needy patients, a farewell function was held on board the ship on the evening of November 14 for its officers and medical staff.
The function, which was hosted by Admiral Qiu Yanpeng, was also attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Yang Youming, his wife Geng Hailing, staff from the Chinese Embassy and the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tim Gopeesingh.
Touring the ship with interpreter Shania Wang
Prior to the concert, the members of the Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble (TTCSE), accompanied by interpreter Shania Wang, were taken on a brief tour of the ship. This was followed by a six-course dinner specially prepared by the ship’s chefs for the band members.
The concert began with the two masters of ceremony, one speaking Chinese and an interpreter, welcoming everyone. The President of the TTCSE, Kenneth Chang On, then gave a brief history of the band and thanked the hosts for the opportunity to perform on board.
The Trinidad and Tobago Chinese Steel Ensemble playing “Tian Mi Mi”
The playing of the national anthems of the People’s Republic of China and Trinidad and Tobago by the TTCSE was followed by one of the female officers with a Chinese song. There were then performances by the TTCSE, several of the talented Chinese singers, a flautist and their military brass band.
Chinese naval officer trying his hand on the tenor pan
The Chinese audience was greatly enthused when they heard some of their popular songs played on the steel pan, something they had never experienced before. They were especially excited to hear one of their female officers singing along with the steelband when they played the Chinese pop song “Tian Mi Mi.”
The band’s closing rendition of “Nah going home” brought down the house and prompted the Chinese Ambassador to ask for not one, but two encores. By then the guests could not contain themselves and swarmed all around the band, many of them jumping up to the rhythmic sound of steel.
Liz Chang On and Mrs. Geng Hailing jumping up with two of the doctors
The TTCSE wishes to thank the officers and crew of the “Peace Ark” for their gracious hospitality and the spirit of goodwill and camaraderie that was clearly evident that evening. We also join with our national community in thanking them for the caring medical service that they provided. We wish them Godspeed as they continue in their humanitarian mission and look forward to the day when they return to our shores.
