Celebrating National Taiwan Day

In celebration of their national day, the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC) held a reception at the Methodist Church Hall in Kingstown on Thursday, October 7, 2010.{{more}}

The small ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps.

Addressing the ceremony, His Excellency Ambassador Weber V.B. Shih thanked the people of St Vincent for offering support to Taiwan over the years, even during their times of need. Shih also highlighted a number of projects that this country has worked on together with Taiwan, including the areas of Education, Agriculture, Medical Care, Human Resource Development, and Information Technology, inter alia. He also expressed gratitude to this country for for being supportive of Taiwan’s bid on the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, in his remarks, noted that the relationship between both countries is one on which the opposition and government are in agreement. This, Gonsalves noted, has been the case since 1980.

Highlighting a few of the areas in which Taiwan has helped this country significantly, Gonsalves pointed to the US$30,000,000 contribution towards the terminal building of the Argyle International Airport as the most outstanding.

The finance minister said Taiwan has been instrumental in the field of Agriculture, stating that they, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, have helped in the commencement of a Watermelon Association on the Windward side of the mainland and a Pineapple Association on the Leeward end. “These are things that don’t grab newspaper headlines, but helps to provide for various communities,” Gonsalves stated.

Gonsalves, who has been honoured by the ROC with the Order of the Brilliant Star, the highest civilian honour for a non-Taiwanese, thanked Taiwan for the tremendous help they have given to this country over the years and wished for continued strengthening of ties.

This country established diplomatic ties with Taiwan on August 15, 1981. Since then, the alliance between both countries has extended into different areas, such as the National Public Library, Annual Scholarship for Vincentian students to pursue studies in Taiwan, among others.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, Sir Louis Straker, said despite the world’s economic downturn, Taiwan is still experiencing economic growth.

Straker thanked Taiwan for what they have done for St Vincent and the Grenadines over the years and prays for an even stronger relationship between both countries.

Parliamentary representative for Northern Grenadines, Dr Godwin Friday, also shared brief remarks on behalf of Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace.

A number of students from the SVG Community College performed a beautiful dance as part of the evening’s entertainment.(KW)