ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — As part of continued efforts to support Antigua and Barbuda in post-hurricane relief and rebuilding efforts, the government of China, on Monday handed over cheques amounting to US$55,000.

“Besides the cash aid we are signing today, projects like providing US$2 million in roof building materials under the UNDP framework will soon begin,” Wang noted.

“As the saying goes, ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’ Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983, China and Antigua and Barbuda have walked hand in hand through 34 years. Now China and Antigua and Barbuda have become mutual trust friends as well as mutual beneficiaries and win-win partners,” he said.

China has provided emergency cash and disaster relief goods since Hurricane Irma struck in September.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne in expressing his government’s appreciation for the assistance, declared that China had not treated them like “elegant nuisances.”