PM Gonsalves reaffirms SVG’s commitment to Taiwan

Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Dr Ralph Gonsalves has reaffirmed this country’s commitment to the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Delivering remarks at a reception ceremony to celebrate Taiwan’s 112 th  National Day on Monday, October 9, Gonsalves extended congratulations to Taiwan.

Gonsalves said he has been to every Taiwan National Day celebration in SVG, in the 21 st century, and has never seen such a turnout, of some 200 guests in attendance, as he saw on Monday night at the event held at the Kingstown Baptist Church.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the relationship between SVG and the Republic of China Taiwan is a strategic relationship of real solidarity and friendship. “This is not a transactional relationship…this is something for all time”, he said.

Noting that the political party in opposition here in SVG said they would dismantle the 42-year relationship between SVG and Taiwan, and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, Gonsalves said; “I’m calling on those who have abandoned this relationship [with Taiwan] to come back to the fold”.

Gonsalves pointed out that in a strategic partnership there has to be fundamental loyalty. “This loyalty is demonstrated in real life and living, since the founding father of this nation established diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) this relationship has gone on from strength to strength”.

He said Taiwan has moved from a backward developing status to one of the top economies in the world, adding that “they are an example to us.” He noted that “they like us, are seeking to build democratic societies internally”, and “we have to learn from this ancient civilization.”

The Prime Minister accepted that “…there is a one China civilization, not a one China policy, a one China civilization. And we hold the view that any great civilization including the magnificent Chinese civilization can possess more than one legitimate political expression organized as a state.” He pointed out that SVG works with the People’s Republic of China on the international front but China will not allow SVG to abandon Taiwan, “a nation in which we are well pleased”.

“What we need most of all and what we are working for all the time at the United Nations and elsewhere is for peace across the Taiwan straits”, Gonsalves said.

Since 1981, Taiwan and SVG have collaborated in a number of areas including education, infrastructural development, social development, agriculture, health and security, among others.

Gonsalves further pointed out that Taiwan has made extraordinary contributions to the Argyle International Airport (AIA). “When you land there, remember Taiwan because they made a critical contribution to the construction of the AIA.”

“Without the AIA, we would not have the expansion of tourism we are having and when you get a job at Sandals, know that one of the reasons why you have that job is because of the AIA and because we have Taiwan supporting us”, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister also commented on Taiwan’s contribution to the Rabacca Bridge. “When your property across the [Rabacca] river increases in value, remember Taiwan because the banks hardly wanted to give anybody mortgages to build houses or mortgages with severe restraints and conditions, but now, they treat the property over there like anywhere in SVG because of the Rabacca Bridge”, Gonsalves said.  (API)