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Vincentians turned out in their numbers to celebrate with the Government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in honour of their 107th National Day.  Taiwan's National Day is officially commemorated on 10th October.

Taiwan’s Ambassador to this country, H.E. Ambassador Calvin Ho, in his feature address, described the gathering as a wonderful one.  Ambassador Ho said that he has had great pleasure in serving in this country since April of this year and thanked the audience for coming to celebrate with them the 107th Anniversary of his country.  Prior to the start of his assignment in April, Ambassador Ho stated, “I felt thrilled when I first saw the national flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flying high side by side with our national flag in front of our presidential office in Taipei.  It was a rewarding moment of joy and pride because it was the perfect demonstration of the staunch friendship between our two countries.”

In his update on Taiwan, Ambassador Ho disclosed that his Government implemented a number of important reforms over the past two years.  To this end, Ambassador Ho said that Taiwan’s economy grew by 2.86% last year, a three-year high, resulting with a drop in the unemployment rate for the first half of this year to 3.66%, a seventeen-year low.  Average wages are also at a historic high, Ambassador Ho added. 

This year, Taiwan is promoting inclusion in the United Nations under the theme, “UN Goals - Taiwan Can Help!”, Ambassador Ho emphasised that the call is for the People of Taiwan “to enjoy rights equal to those of other world citizens, and for the United Nations not to deprive the People of Taiwan of their rights to visit UN premises and to attend meetings”. 

The Ambassador also expressed gratitude for this country’s “unwavering and vocal endorsement for Taiwan’s international participation”.  His Excellency expressed his country’s appreciation to Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, for the call he made on behalf of Taiwan, in his speech, at the UN General Assembly.  Ambassador Ho noted that, due to China’s interference, Taiwan was unable to attend this year’s World Health Assembly.  To this end, he thanked the Minister of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, Hon. Luke Browne, for speaking in support of Taiwan at the plenary session: "We are deeply grateful for that". 

Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, extended best wishes to the Government and People of the Taiwan on their attainment of their 107th National Day Anniversary, and pledged this country’s support for Taiwan to be fully recognized in the international community. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ friendship with Taiwan and further strengthening of ties.  

He thanked the Government and people of the Taiwan for their assistance to this country in several areas, namely, the construction of the terminal building at the Argyle International Airport, agriculture, health, and the provision of scholarships.  Regarding the scholarships, Dr. Gonsalves said that this has cemented the friendship ties between our two countries and peoples.  Prime Minister Gonsalves also said that he would like to see more investment in private sector development from Taiwan in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  He expressed his desire to see the construction of a hotel with a high-class Chinese restaurant.

At the end of his address, Prime Minister Gonsalves and Ambassador Ho raised their glasses to toast the continued success and prosperity of Taiwan.  They were joined by members of Cabinet, Parliament, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Taiwan Scholarship Alumni Association, and friends, among others. 

The reception was held on Monday, 8th October 2018 at the Methodist Church Hall.

SOURCE: API