Ambassador Leo Lee

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has received another EC$3 million from the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan.{{more}}

The cheque was presented by Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Leo Lee to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves at a handing over ceremony on Thursday, December 4, 2008, at the Cabinet Room.

The EC$3 million will be used to cover expenses associated with the construction of phase three of the National Library Complex located at Richmond Hill in Kingstown.

Speaking at the short ceremony, the Prime Minister reminded the media of the many contributions that the Taiwanese Government has made to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, such as the bridge at the Rabacca dry river and their contributions toward the building of the Argyle International Airport.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for being generous and committed to his government and the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The National Library Complex, now in its final stage, will be completed by March or April of 2009 and will be formally opened in June or July.

Ambassador Lee expressed his hopes for the National Library. “When completed in March 2009, it will be the best public library not only in St. Vincent and the Grenadines but in the Eastern Caribbean Region,” he stated.

He also noted that the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan would continue to support St. Vincent and the Grenadines with the economic development of the country.

“Although negatively affected by the global financial crisis, the Government of the Republic of China will still continue to honour our commitment to the people and government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” he stated.

The EC$3 million will be used to cover any expenses associated with phase three of the project. (OS)