The Honourable Shawn Richards, in his capacity as Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, is currently in the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan, leading a five member delegation to discuss with government officials, students and other agencies, developmental projects for the Federation in the areas of education and sports in particular.
The delegation includes Hon. Troy Liburd- Junior Minister of Education for Nevis; William Hodge, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education; Stanley Knight, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Youth, Sport and Culture; and Rev. Damien Hughes, Vice Chair of Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) Board of Governors. The group is supported by Resident Ambassador to Taiwan, Ms. Jasemine E Huggins.
On Wednesday 23, the delegation met with Taiwan’s President, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, who was accompanied by the Vice President Dr. Chen, and other government officials.
During the meeting, Minister Richards explained that a case was made for more scholarships, assistance in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), training of teachers, internships for young people and the building of a multipurpose flex centre for sports and the performing arts. These areas, he said, were explored as areas for future co-operation.
The President pledged her support for the undertakings and asked that she be kept directly informed of all further discussions on these initiatives.
Minister Richards said that the group met on Monday, May 21, with some of the students who are studying in Taiwan. They visited the Ming Chuan University and held discussions with the Director of the International Co-operation and Development Fund (ICDF).
On Tuesday 22, discussions were held at the Ministry of Education with Deputy Minister Leehter Yao. In addition to this, the delegation visited the Songshan High School of Agriculture and Industry and the Nangang Sports Center. Discussions were also held with the engineering firm CECI Engineering Consultants.