NDP hopeful questions Taiwan’s motives in SVG

The motives of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in making donations to St Vincent and the Grenadines have been questioned.{{more}}

New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for the Central Leeward constituency Ben Exeter, while speaking on the New Times radio programme on Tuesday, asked what does Taiwan get in return for its generosity.

“People don’t just give something for the sake of giving. I understand you can be generous, but a country like Taiwan keeps giving and giving and giving. Why? What’s in it for them,” he questioned.

Noel Dickson, the NDP candidate for South Windward in the upcoming general elections, who was also on the programme, attempted to answer, saying, “Well they are getting their benefits also….”

“Like the fishing rights?” Exeter interjected.

“We give them our fishing rights, where they are able to go and harvest and rape and pelvage (sic) the oceans and take all of our tunas, sushi, great tuna, and in return, we get wax apple. Are you kidding me?

“How is that fair and equitable, unless there is something we are missing? You talking about corruption, that’s your topic today, unless there is something missing,” Exeter repeated.

Dickson countered that Taiwan had also built learning resource centres and donated vehicles to SVG.

That did not seem to impress Exeter, who in reply, said, “Oh, come on…”

In an interview with Chester Connell in October 2012, Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace said he had a reason for turning down an invitation extended to him by Taiwan to attend a function. Eustace did not disclose that reason, when pressed by Connell. He has, however, since then, attended other functions put on by the Taiwanese government.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have enjoyed unbroken diplomatic relations for the last 33 years. During that time, SVG has been a leading voice advocating Taiwan’s international participation at several fora, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization.