Taiwan hands over funds for Civic Development Programme

On August 19, 2016, Ambassador Baushuan Ger, on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a cheque to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves at the Cabinet room for funding the 2016 Civic Development Programme.

The Prime Minister, on behalf of the people and the Government, expressed his appreciation for Taiwan’s continuous support for the SVG Civic Development{{more}} Programme over the years.Ambassador Ger stressed that Taiwan has been very glad to be the long-term partner to collaborate with Vincentian people on the national development of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The Civic Development Programme was an initiative of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 1998 and has funded major priority projects allocated by the Government of SVG in various areas – youth, health, infrastructure, and human resources etc, over the past 18 years.

The grant handed over on August 19 is part of Taiwan’s annual sponsorship for the 2016 Civic Development Programme and will be used in the implementation of five agreed projects:

1. YES Programme: contributing to a reduction in poverty through the provision of training and employment for youth. In 2016, it will provide work experience and training to 700 persons over a

12-month period. This programme was launched in 2001, and more than 6,000 Vincentian young persons benefited.

2. Rapid Training and Skills Development Project: enhancing the employability of the population by providing an opportunity for the beneficiaries to gain critical on-the-job experience through an apprenticeship component.

3. Purchase of Equipment for Modern Medical Complex: the equipment is intended for the complex located in Georgetown and in its final year of construction.

4. Enhancement of the SVG Financial Regulatory Framework: enhancing and strengthening the financial regulatory system in SVG through the provision of software, hardware and training to key agencies, including the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Ministry of Finance.

5. Rehabilitation of Government House: repairing and renovating Government House, restoring a safe work environment for the staff of the Office of the Governor General.

“In the years to come, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) wish to continue working with Vincentian friends in promoting cooperation projects conducive to sustainable development and the best interest of the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines,” a release from the Embassy of Taiwan said.