Taiwan Embassy celebrates in SVG

If there is one thing that Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves and Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace agree on, it is this country’s support for the Republic of China (Taiwan).

They are both also of the opinion that should the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines emulate the Taiwanese in the way they work and apply knowledge, this country would be better off.{{more}}

Both leaders were speaking at the reception to celebrate the 95th National Day of Taiwan on Tuesday, October 10 held at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown.

And Ambassador of Taiwan to this country, His Excellency Jack Yu-Tai Cheng does not take this support for granted. Cheng reflected on the many challenges faced by his country during the 95 years since the Republic of China was founded. He said that for half of the more than 50 years since his government moved from mainland China to Taiwan, the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have stood firmly with them. For this, he expressed his country’s deep and profound appreciation.

The Prime Minister thanked Taiwan for the fine job they have done in establishing people to people links with this country. He expressed his delight at the fact that there were presently 15 young Vincentians undergoing University level training in Taiwan. He looked forward to the day when groups of Vincentians would be speaking Mandarin Chinese on the street corners of Kingstown.

Even though that day may be years off, there is already at least one group of young people here who already know a few sentences of Taiwanese dialect. The evening’s programme included an appearance by the Girls’ High School (GHS) choir which thrilled the audience with a performance of Taiwanese and Vincentian folk songs. The national anthems of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan were rendered by the GHS steel orchestra at the beginning of the programme.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Sir Louis Straker also addressed the reception which was attended by many dignitaries including the Governor-General’s Deputy, Monica Dacon and members of the diplomatic corps.