She said Trinidad and Tobago appreciates the contribution of the Chinese and in recognition and gratitude of that historic and ongoing contributions to nation building, "my Government is prepared to sit in consultation with you as a community to find out how best you feel your community can be honoured for this."
In a brief address, she noted that Chinese workers first came to the country as immigrant labourers.
She said like other immigrant communities that make up the diverse Trinidad and Tobago community, the Chinese came looking for a better life for themselves and their families.
She added that they remained "and entrenched themselves as a vital part of our community and culture. Today, your ancestors are looking down on this room with pride and joy.
The Prime Minister described her guests as "a snapshot of the Chinese community in our country", a cross section of professionals in all spheres- business, culture, literature and academics.
She acknowledged that the Chinese community joined other citizens "working arduously in your own quiet way to ensure that Trinidad and Tobago progressed and developed in every facet of our nation’s social, political, cultural and in particular economic spheres.
"Indeed, our history will show that the kings who once led our country could never have left the legacy that your forefathers have left our country. And that was a legacy of diligence, dedication and commitment to family life and nation building and today more than ever, that legacy is being kept alive by your community.
"For that I say thank you. The Government says thank you and the people of Trinidad and Tobago say thank you.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Chinese ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Youming Yang, for China's "generous economic support" for the country at a time of a global economic downturn.
She spoke of the symbolism of the Chinese New Year noting it represents industriousness, auspiciousness, harmony and good wishes.
"And what is more special about this New Year is that, in the Chinese calendar, it is the year of the Rabbit. I find that this is a particularly good sign for our country, since, in the Chinese tradition, the rabbit symbolizes qualities such as mildness, kindness, friendliness and purity," she said.
She related a story of the Chinese New Year, ending with the Chinese proverb: “One joy scatters a hundred griefs.”
Persad-Bissessar also reflected on more wisdom of the Chinese, again quoting from ancient proverbs. "If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people."
"I believe tonight is indeed a great reminder of the fundamental lesson that this country and indeed the world have learnt from the Chinese people. That we must grow people to ensure continued progress and prosperity of the human race," she declared.
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