Ministers of Government joined members of the local Chinese Community in celebrating the Year of the Horse on New Years Day.
Minister of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, and Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour, joined with members of the oldest Chinese Association ‘Fui Toong On’ on Thursday January 1st in Duncan Village to celebrate the ancient customs.
2026 in the Chinese Zodiac is the Year of the Fire Horse and according to the Horoscope, this represents dynamic energy, passion and leadership with the Fire element amplifying the Horse’s natural freedom and drive.
Speaking at the event, Fui Toong On Association, President Joe Chan said his members have given generously to this country for generations.
He noted that since the first wave of immigration to Trinidad and Tobago on the vessel Fortitude in 1806 the Chinese community has made invaluable contributions to this country’s overall development in the social, economic and cultural mosaic.
The Fui Toong On Association on Charlotte Street is the oldest ethnic-based Chinese Association in Trinidad and Tobago and comprises Hakka-speaking immigrants from China.
From its inception in 1919 soon after the end of World War I, the Fui Toong On Association has aggressively worked to promote the social and economic well-being of the Chinese community.
Mr Chan said his members will continue this legacy with commitment and loyalty to Trinidad and Tobago.
There has been a constant emergence of prominent Chinese personalities who have devoted their talents and toiled for the advancement of Trinidad and Tobago in several fields such as business, medicine, law and the Arts.
The Fui Toong On Association family has also spread its wings to Canada and continues to play a major role in community development in both cities.