The Republic of China (Taiwan) donated 8 new vehicles to the Royal St. Christopher/Nevis Police Forces on Tuesday, March, 13.
The vehicles were four 2007 Suzuki APV Vans from TDC and four 2007 Nissan Almeras from S. L. Horsfords and Company Ltd. A handing over ceremony was held at the grounds of the Fire and Rescue Services Department, Basseterre.
Present were Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, Taiwan Ambassador John Liu, Minister of National Security Dwyer Astaphan, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Astona Browne, Commissioner of Police Robert Jeffers and Fire Chief Hester Rawlins along with other police officers.~~adz:Right~~
Commissioner Jeffers gave remarks at the ceremony saying that the vehicles will be used first in the policing of the Cricket World Cup games. He said that when they assessed their need to patrol the World Cup, and in finding gaps they realized their vehicles/transport was one of them.
In thanking all parties involved, he expressed special gratitude to the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan.
"I cannot praise you enough for coming to our assistance in this venture,' he said. 'We had some serious gaps in policing the World Cup and these assets will ensure that we are able to deliver on our duties for the World Cup."
Ambassador Liu, said over the past years, his Government has made contributions to the Federation to aid the development of the people and that this donation was no different.
He informed that in a few weeks, Taiwan would be donating a further 20 motorbikes to the police force.
The vehicles were increased with an additional four 650 Suzuki motorbikes on Wednesday, that were also donated by the Taiwanese government.
Also, as part of the sponsorship package, a US$100,000 cheque, in aid of assisting the force's crime-fighting efforts, was presented by the Ambassador to the PM and then further turned over to Minister Astaphan.
