TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager has welcomed the planned visit of the Chinese hospital ship, Ark Silk Road, which is scheduled to dock at the Falmouth Port on Friday for a three-day stay.

Gager, who also serves as chairman of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC), said he intends to attend the official welcoming ceremony when the state-of-the-art medical vessel arrives at the pier.

“I know a group of them (members of the Chinese community) will be here tomorrow, and I want to be there with them. We want to show that brotherly love, because although you may sometimes hear negativity, the Chinese community does support and is always a part of the parish. In fact, it fits well with our motto, ‘Out of Many, One People,” the mayor said.

Speaking at Thursday’s regular monthly meeting of the TMC, Gager used the opportunity to express gratitude for the generosity shown by members of the Chinese community in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

He singled out businessman Martin Liao of Champion Shopping Plaza, along with the Guangdong Chinese community and the Chinese Benevolent Society, for their substantial contributions to the parish’s recovery efforts.

“So for the medical team to be coming now, it continues that partnership and goodwill,” he said.

The Ark Silk Road is expected to provide a range of medical services during its visit, strengthening humanitarian ties between China and Jamaica.

— Horace Hines