BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, October 10th, 2011 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis says its relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan) has matured since diplomatic relations was established 28 years ago. “Today, we continue to collaborate on various issues of mutual interest, helping each other to achieve important national goals.
Challenges are ever present in both our countries, testing our resolve and our resilience, yet we struggle and prevail,” said Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas at a Dinner at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in celebration of the 100th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the 28th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Dr. Douglas said the celebration of its 100th National Day is a remarkable achievement, and it has been a journey that has strengthened the people on Taiwan and built an economy that is today globally competitive and securing its footing in these turbulent financial and economic times.
“Certainly, the history of the Republic of China should be an inspiration for many people in countries around the world. From difficult times, filled with a variety of economic impediments, the people of Taiwan reached deep into their psyche, mobilized and transformed their economy and social life into what it is today.
The message in all of this is that positive change is achievable, if we are willing to make the sacrifice, if we are willing to take the chance and break from the tried and comfortable ways that have brought little in terms of results,” said Prime Minister Douglas during remarks at the Dinner attended by Governor General His Excellency Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian; Deputy Governor General of Nevis, His Honour Mr. Eustace John and Mrs. John; Sir Edmund and Lady Lawrence; His Lordship the Resident Judge, the Hon. Mr. Justice Errol Thomas; Cabinet Ministers; the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Curtis Martin; Deputy Premier of Nevis, Hon. Hensley Daniel and Mrs. Daniel; Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Mr. Miguel Tsao and Mrs. Tsao; St. Kitts and Nevis’ First Non-Resident Ambassador to Taiwan, His Excellency Mr. Terrance Byron and Mrs. Byron, senior government officials and representatives of the local business sector.
Prime Minister Douglas noted that through this entire process, the people of Taiwan have kept their cultural heritage alive and vibrant. From time-to-time, the people of the Federation have been delighted to see, firsthand, the rich cultural performances of the people of the Republic of China. And there has been tremendous advances made in the areas of agriculture, industry, electronics and communications.
“I cannot say enough how pleased we are to be a partner with the Government and people of the Republic of China. Again, we express the appreciation of the Government and people of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Government and people of the Republic of China on Taiwan, for your generosity and unfailing support in the development processes of the Federation.
We have benefitted tremendously from your assistance, from a country many more years mature than we are, and your involvement has touched the lives of almost every citizen in the Federation,” said Prime Minister.
“Now both our countries look toward the future cognizant that the road ahead would have periods of difficult navigation. But it is one that we must travel. There is no choice; no turning back, because, we have the resource in our people.
We must effectively prepare our people, because they are the ultimate enabler of growth and development and the vanguard of our heritage and environment in years to come,” said Prime Minister Douglas, under whose Labour Party Administration, the Taiwan Mission with a Charge D’ Affaires was upgraded to an Embassy headed by an Ambassador.
Dr. Douglas said the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) must face that future with optimism, with confidence and with vision of where both countries need to be at any given period of time.
“The future belongs to those who wisely plan; who remain people focused; who take calculated risks; who strive for sustainability and the preservation of our natural environment. These are the principles that we both share as two peoples, two nations, two governments. On these matters, our countries must excel, and it is our responsibility today to lay the foundation for that brighter future,” said Prime Minister Douglas.
“As we celebrate this evening, as we contemplate the real meaning of this occasion, let us understand that there are no successes without failures, but the important point to remember is that we should learn from our errors, we must change our mindset, we must improve and try again.
All around us every day, we see the tremendous technologies that make our lives easier and more pleasant, yet they have reached that stage incrementally. Our countries’ development is a process a journey that never ends, but only if we are properly prepared,” said Dr. Douglas.
In commending and congratulating the Government and people on Taiwan, Dr. Douglas extended his heartfelt wishes for continued prosperity and the strengthening of the relationship.
“On behalf the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, I again extend congratulations and best wishes to the Government and people of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Happy National Day!” said Prime Minister Douglas.
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