SVG receives more than $3 million from Taiwan

The more than three million dollars donated by the Government of Taiwan to this country is expected to aid in the development of a number of vital projects.{{more}}

That is according to Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, as he accepted the cheque from Taiwanese Ambassador Weber Shih, during a press conference last Friday, September 16, at Cabinet Room in Kingstown.

Dr. Gonsalves indicated that the money, which is a part of a special grant from Taiwan called the Civic Development Fund, has been earmarked for eight specific projects, which include the Youth Empowerment Service (YES), a sporting facility at Cumberland, the purchase of outboard motors for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard, as well as the fencing of the Agency for Public Information building at Richmond Hill.

Proceeds from the grant will also be used for an irrigation and management consolidation project, the upgrading of the Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre, the renovation of the Old Montrose Police Station and the provision of equipment for the Government Printing Services.

The Prime Minister, who expressed gratitude for the financial assistance from Taiwan, said that he had also discussed with the Ambassador efforts by this country to establish a physical diplomatic presence in Taiwan in the new year.

“I pointed out to him, from a standpoint of importance of diplomatic relations… it’s a way in which to make even more solid the extent of our solidarity….” Dr. Gonsalves noted.

Ambassador Shih, speaking at the press conference, indicated that he was delighted to hand over the cheque valued at EC$3,087,600 to the Prime Minister, which he said was an indication of his country’s commitment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Over the years the cooperation between Taiwan and St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been bearing juicy fruits in different fields.

“The civil development projects is a continuous way of implementing cooperation between our two countries,” he said.(JJ)