The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan, through its Embassy in Basseterre, has once again demonstrated its commitment to assisting the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis—this time through the donation of funds for the purchasing of two vehicles.
A brief handing over ceremony was held today, March 29, 2017, in the Office of the Prime Minister at Government Headquarters.
Present at that ceremony were St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Deputy Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Calvin Edwards; and Ambassador of the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan, His Excellency George Gow Wei Chiou.
In accepting the donation, Prime Minister Harris said the funds will go towards the purchasing of a vehicle to be used by the office of the Governor General and another for use by the St. Kitts-Nevis Government.
Dr. Harris further stressed that Wednesday’s presentation represents the “continuation of our bilateral cooperation in areas of need identified by the government”.
“Deepest appreciation extends to your government in Taipei that we value the bilateral cooperation; we value the strong and enduring friendship which we have had unbroken since 1983,” the Prime Minister Harris told the Taiwanese Ambassador. “Thanks again for doing a wonderful job on behalf of your government and certainly by conveying our wishes to your government. In a clear way and in a convincing way, you are also advancing the cause not only of the bilateral cooperation, but the cause of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
In response, Ambassador Chiou said the Taiwanese Government remains committed to working hand in hand with the local government, adding, “Through today’s donation, we can understand the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan likes very heavily to cooperate with the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and to promote the benefit of the people of the two countries and the friendship between the two governments.”
Deputy Financial Secretary, Calvin Edwards, who was one of the signatories to receiving the funds, highlighted other areas of cooperation between the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis, including the soon to be established National Heroes Park.
“We see you as one of our closest friends who have always been there for us,” Edwards said. “We know you donated recently to the National Heroes Park and you continue to give adequate support to the security forces and these are very important initiatives that the government is undertaking in order to improve the living standards of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and to provide a safe environment.”
The Taiwanese Ambassador also revealed that additional support will be given to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in the health sector in April 2017.