BASSETERRE, St. Kitts- TAIWANESE officials, Ministers of Government, Opposition members and other special invited guests last night (Sept. 4) toasted in celebration of the approaching 102nd National Day of the Republic of China (Tawian) at the annual Reception held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort in Frigate Bay.
The event was hosted by Resident St. Kitts-Nevis Taiwan Ambassador Miguel Tsao and his wife Isabel Tsao.
Students from the St. Christopher Preparatory School sang happy birthday in both Mandarin and English languages which preceded a cake-cutting ceremony for the occasion.
Among those in attendance were: Governor of St. Kitts-Nevis Sir Edmund Lawrence and Lady Lawrence; Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; his Deputy, Dr. Asim Martin and other Cabinet members; Leader of the People’s Labour Party (PLP) Dr. Timothy Harris and his Deputy Sam Condor; Leader of the National Integrity Party (NIP) Glenroy Blanchette and his Deputy Roy Flemming; as well as President of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce David Lake and former Governor of St. Kitts-Nevis Sir Cuthbert Sebastian.
Ambassador Tsao hailed St. Kitts-Nevis as “one of the best diplomatic allied countries” and he expressed pleasure in being an honorary citizen of the twin-island Federation.
He highlighted progressive strides made by his country during this year.
He shared that up to August, Taiwan has been granted visa-free treatment by 133 countries, that Taiwan was invited as an observer to the World Health Assembly in May and a special guest at the 38th International Assembly of Civil Aviation Organisation in September.
Ambassador Tsao pointed out that PM Douglas “unreservedly (called) for Taiwan’s involvement at the UN General Assembly”.
He further lauded Dr. Douglas saying that “his powerful message and unwavering support were moved and highly appreciated by the people and government of the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan)”.
Ambassador Tsao also thanked Tourism Minister Senator Richard ‘Ricky’ Skerritt, who he said bravely, a couple of days ago, called for Taiwan’s participation in the ICAO Assembly, noting that “a friend in need is a friend indeed. A good friend is like an old wine which is getting finer with time”.
He had generally thanked “those who have helped to strengthen and (enhanced) steadfast the friendship and the cordial relationship between our two countries since 1983 until now and beyond. It is obvious that I couldn't stand here without your support and
indomitable dedication”.
Prime Minister Douglas, during his presentation, gave celebratory remarks to the people and Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan on the attainment of the 102nd Anniversary of their nationhood.
“It was only two weeks ago that we here in St. Kitts and Nevis had the fortune and the pleasure and the distinction of celebrating 30 years of our Independence. Today, tonight, we are very honoured, very pleased, very happy to celebrate, very happy to celebrate with a friend all the way in Asia, but a very close friend to the people and Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, the 102nd Anniversary of the Independence of the people of Taiwan.”
Dr. Douglas went on to address the impact that Taiwan continues to have on the lives of people on a global scale.
“We today are aware of the tremendous impact that the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made not only on the lives of the people of Taiwan but generally the lives of the people of China over the years and the lives of the people across the world. The achievements that have been made by the people of Taiwan, the Republic of China, are most outstanding, almost unmatched, especially in the areas of technology, especially in the areas of medical technology, especially in the areas of computer technology and, to a large extent, the pursuance of science and technology that has been unmatched to a large extent throughout the entire Asian region.”
He continued: “We believe, to a large extent, that the people of Taiwan over the last few years have been kept back, I would say, because of certain political developments which took place several years ago. We nevertheless have continued to ensure that in areas in different arena around the world where Taiwan does not have a voice, St. Kitts and Nevis has presented that voice for the people and the Government of Taiwan.”
Prime Minister Douglas told Ambassador Tsao that his government would continue to call on the international community in support of Taiwan.
“We strongly believe that we shall continue to call on the international community to recognise the importance that the Republic of China on Taiwan can play on the advancement of the peoples of the world interest. And I can assure you Ambassador that even though we have been speaking out very loudly and clearly in recent times, we shall continue to do so until the international community hears us and responds accordingly, because, again, we emphasise, there is much that the international community can learn from the republic of China on Taiwan. And so as we continue to plan for the future expansion of our relationship, we give the full assurance that St. Kitts and Nevis, at all levels in our society at all levels in the government, will continue to cherish the relationship that has been established.”
“You can be assured Ambassador that our relationship shall grow from strength to strength as we plan for the continued advancement of our own country and our own people with the full support and assistance of the people of the Republic of China on Taiwan,” he added.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) annually celebrates its National Day on October 10.
