Sir Louis Straker says: Long live relations between SVG and Taiwan

Message from the Honourable Sir Louis H. Straker Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade on the Occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan.

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan, which we celebrate on August 15, 2006, I am, indeed, pleased to be in this position to declare my personal satisfaction with the extent to which our relations have grown, blossomed and deepened. {{more}}

Twenty-five years of successful diplomatic/political relations spanning two different political administrations in both our countries, and also a quarter century of economic and technical cooperation are justifiable reasons for celebrations.

It bears repeating here, that out of this relationship, the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines have been the beneficiaries of financial and technical assistance from Taiwan, representing, perhaps, the largest in value from any single country with which St. Vincent and the Grenadines has diplomatic relations. Almost every facet of our economy has benefited: from infrastructural and other development projects, including: the Union Island Airport; the Kingstown Vegetable Market; the Modern National Library Project; the Youremei-Taiwan bridge project; the various Learning Resource Centres; the YES programme; donation of medical equipment and computers; purchase of vehicles and equipment for the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force and Fire Service, agricultural training and technology transfer, provision of Taiwanese Volunteers to help strengthen capacity in areas most in need, and scholarships to students.

For its part, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has sought to promote Taiwan’s bid to be a part of the United Nations system, and the international community, as the legitimate voice representing the wishes of its 23 million citizens. We will continue to support our ally in this noble objective.

A number of important events are being planned in collaboration with the Taiwanese Embassy to properly celebrate this milestone in our relationship. I urge all Vincentians to join in those celebrations, which will include a military parade, an agricultural exhibition, a commemorative stamp issue, and also a cultural evening, highlighting Taiwanese and Vincentian folklore and talent.

It has been a wonderful and satisfactory journey with Taiwan for the mutual benefit of both countries for the past twenty-five years. We will continue to be the staunchest ally of Taiwan. We have gone past the formalistic diplomatic relationship between nations. As we often say, “We are Family”.

I look forward to our happy anniversary celebrations and say, “Long live the relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan!”