On May 23, 2024, the 10th Grenada “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition was grandly held in the Science Building of T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC). The event was organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada and hosted by the Confucius Institute at TAMCC. A total of 14 contestants participated in the primary school, secondary school, and College groups. Mr. Peng Wenlin, Chargé d’affaires ad interim and Yin Yixiang, Attaché from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada, attended the event along with faculty and staff from TAMCC and secondary schools, as well as students and parents.
The competition was hosted by Confucius Institute volunteer teacher Yuan Bo and Confucius Institute co-director Mrs. Norella De Gale- Philip. The panel of judges included Jiang Yan, Director of the Bilateral Affairs Office of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada, Zhao Yazhuo, Second Secretary of the People’s Republic of China in Grenada, Dr. Jiang Fan, resident Director of the Confucius Institute, Mr. Aaron Gay, co- director of the Confucius Institute, and Mr. Chris Mignon, TAMCC lecturer.
After the opening ceremony, the national anthems of China and Grenada were played. David Ambrose, the Grenadian director of the Confucius Institute, delivered an enthusiastic speech expressing his expectations for the contestants and his positive outlook on cultural exchanges between China and Grenada. During the competition, contestants delivered thematic speeches, and performed talent shows, showcasing their strong Chinese language skills and diverse talents. The atmosphere was lively, with each contestant displaying their unique abilities. Additionally, Edison Worme from the Grenada Tai Chi Connection gave a spectacular martial arts performance, while Confucius Institute students performed songs and dances, earning rounds of applause from the audience.
In the end, Saraiah Abraham, Selena Williams, and Reeyana Douglas-Ottley won the championships in the primary school, secondary school, and college groups respectively. Dr. Jiang Fan, Mr. Ambrose, Director Jiang Yan, and Chargé d’affaires ad interim Peng Wenlin awarded prizes to the winners of the excellence, third place, second place, and first place awards.
After the competition, Mr. Peng Wenlin and Dr. Jiang Fan delivered closing speeches, congratulating the contestants on the successful event, and encouraging them to continue studying Chinese and promoting cultural exchanges between China and Grenada. This competition not only showcased the Chinese
proficiency of Grenadian students but also served as an important platform for cultural exchange, contributing positively to the friendship between the two countries. The “Chinese Bridge” is not only a bridge of language but also a bridge of hearts. It is hoped that through the Chinese Bridge competition, more international friends will gain a better understanding of China. The Confucius Institute at TAMCC will continue to uphold the concept of “Connecting Islands with Language, Benefiting Friends with Culture,” making further contributions to cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Grenada.