BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AT a simple but very significant ceremony yesterday morning (Jun. 19), the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) donated a number of machines and office equipment, among other items, to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.
The ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the St. Kitts-Nevis Fire and Rescue Services in Newtown, Basseterre, where the donation was made to the Ministry of Homeland Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Legal Affairs.
A breathing apparatus, to be used by the Fire and Rescue Services, was the symbolically handed over item.
SKNVibes observed that some of the donated items included flat screen monitors, filing cabinets and fleeces.
Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas spoke highly about the importance of good working relationships.
“At individual levels and at the level of nations, relationships matter and what matters really is not the mere existence in the relationship, but the ongoing nurturing and strengthening of that relationship with those who are involved.”
PM Douglas also spoke to the excellent relationship that exists between the two countries.
“Relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have always been positive and strong, and those have been built up for almost now 30 years…30 years short by only a few months. And each passing year, we both work ever harder to better understand the aspirations of our respective governments and people, making it a priority in process to strengthen multi-faceted bonds that we already share.”
He went on to highlight the benefits of the donation.
“The equipment being provided to our Force and to our Fire and Rescue Services today will dramatically enhance their ability both to respond quickly and effectively at the scene of any emergency, as well as to enhance the smooth execution and administrative duties within the Department itself.”
Resident Taiwan Ambassador Miguel Tsao talked about the usefulness of the donated items that would serve in hurricane preparedness and safety, crime-fighting and improving service and performance of civil servants.
“As we are witnesses of this contribution towards upgrading the respective authorities and departments, I firmly believe that these equipments would fulfill urgent needs and demands in a way when the hurricane season has come as a threat, especially since there are 20 Atlantic tropical storms awaiting to permeate through the Caribbean, and at least seven of them turning to be hurricanes, according to the weather forecast. Hence, these certain equipments will be entrusted to operate at full blast to safeguard human security and properties.”
According to the Ambassador, “Part of the provisions today are facilities to ensure good social order, which would assist the Police Force in seeking more channels to clamp down the crime-committing and help build up this beautiful country as a safe haven.”
“The other facilities would serve to enhance the service and performance of civil servants to the general public as well as upgrade, with efficiency and effectiveness, of the personnel in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security and Legal Affairs. You would be aware that the above-mentioned things to be done are part and parcel of the attribution to my feeling so pleased,” Tsao added.
Tsao touched on the working relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Ladies and gentlemen, year 2013 seems to have brought about more meaning, caliber and inspiration to highlight our 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties enshrined in long-termed solid relationship and friendships. As both ROC (Taiwan) and St. Kitts and Nevis Governments have undertaken plenty of cooperation projects in the fields of renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, education, human empowerment…etc. to benefit people, you would be rest assured that all tangible results have been targeted and accomplished step by step through governments’ bilateral assiduous planning and cooperation.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Legal Affairs, the Hon. Patrice Nisbett expressed that for him it was a distinct pleasure to formally receive several pieces of equipment on behalf of the entire Ministry.
He praised the Resident Taiwan Ambassador who had been instrumental in organising the donation.
“As we are about to take possession of these equipment, I am mindful of the efforts expended are on behalf of His Excellency Ambassador Miguel Tsao, who has been very responsive to the Ministry’s requests for assistance. His willingness to partner with us in our ongoing efforts to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to achieve its various mandates is noteworthy and most appreciated by the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Nisbett assured The Ambassador that every piece of equipment handed over during the ceremony “is essential to our collective functioning”.
“The pieces of equipment were carefully selected, taking into consideration the associated costs and direct impact that utilisation of such will have on the lives of ordinary citizens and residents in St. Kitts and Nevis who depend on the Ministry for the services we provide,” he stated.
