MINISTER ASTAPHAN: SKN HAS NO BETTER FRIEND THAN TAIWAN
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| Minister of National Security the Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan (left) said there is no people on the planet … who are closer to us than the Taiwanese |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (November 22, 2007): Minister of National Security the Hon. G. A. Dwyer Astaphan has hailed the friendship between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) describing it as a perfect model of humanity focused bilateral relations.
“The people of St. Kitts and Nevis are very fortunate, in that in addition to the God-given endowments of our people, and as a nation, we have Taiwan as a friend,” Minister Astaphan said on Tuesday.
“This country has no better friend [than Taiwan], and although it is located on the other side of the globe, there is no people on the planet … who are closer to us than they are.”
The comments were made at a ceremony to mark the presentation of a cheque for US $230,000.00 to be used by the Ministry of Agriculture to purchase a multipurpose mid-sized fishing boat.
A second donation of US $150,000.00 was made to the Ministry of National Security to purchase music instruments for the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) Band. A commitment was also made by the Asian nation to facilitate the acquisition of six trucks to be used by the SKNDF.
Minister Astaphan said the funds will greatly aid the military band which needs additional instruments to enhance its vibrant Cadet Community Drum Corps. There are approximately forty members between the age of 8 to 16 years involved in this group.
The young men and women practice every Tuesday at the Defence Force Camp and perform at various community and school related functions such as street parades and sporting competitions. ~~Adz:Right~~
“Regrettably Sir, many of those young people have had to double up, and triple up on single instruments and that can frustrate them, it can be a disincentive to other young people and it certainly can frustrate the promoters and leaders of the band,” the Minister told Taiwanese Ambassador His Excellency John Liu. “This contribution will go a long way in the … process of harvesting young minds and young souls, garnering their abilities and pointing them in productive directions.”
Minister Astaphan stressed that his government is extremely grateful to Taiwan for its continued effort to improve the economic and social fabric of the twin island federation. He pledged that St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to work with its ally to deepen and strengthen this bond and build it in love so the citizens of both countries can reap the benefits.
