(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The launch of a CARICOM national-authored children’s book at Expo Shanghai 2010, was symbolic of the strong cultural ties that existed between China and many Member States of CARICOM, His Excellency Edwin Carrington said Friday.

The Emperor, His Bride and the Dragon Robe, written by Trinidad and Tobago-born Lisa Sankar-Zhu who lives in China, was launched at the CARICOM Pavilion at Expo Shanghai 2010 Friday afternoon.

“Over the years, the Government of China has expanded its cultural exchanges and cooperation programmes with countries in our Region, and today, CARICOM is able to reciprocate through a publication which brings together the creativity of the Caribbean and the legends and traditions of China. This is undoubtedly a tangible addition to Caribbean-China cultural relations. And how fitting it is that this book should be launched during Expo 2010 Shanghai, which brings together, people from all over the world, Secretary-General Carrington said.

Though the book was set in ancient China, and was meant to reflect old customs, it made an important juxtaposition to life’s morals and values which were highly treasured in every society today, Mr. Carrington pointed out.

“While written with children in mind, I am confident that the book will also resonate with adults. It is not often that an author is able to span that bridge between child and adult and to achieve such an impact. It is to her credit that Ms. Sankar-Zhu has been able to do so, and in her first work at that,” he told the sizeable gathering.

Mr. Xu Bo, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Expo Bureau 2010, described the publication as a “wonderful book” and urged the gathering to use the Exposition to help people understand each other in order to promote peace.

Telling her story in her native tongue and in Mandarin, author, Ms. Lisa Sankar-Zhu, said the book had international appeal, and though it was “just a fairy tale” she hoped it sparked curiosity and a passion for Chinese culture.

The book launch marked the Secretary-General’s first activity in Shanghai as Commissioner-General of Section. On Saturday, he will participate in CARICOM National Honour Day Celebrations which will feature all-day activities including the hoisting of the CARICOM Standard, remarks by His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana, on behalf of the Community, grand cultural performances and visits to booths in the CARICOM Pavilion.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org