Pledges US $200,000 to Restore Storm-hit Banana Farms.
MUSIC, dance, champagne, wine, food and pledges dominated the L’Epicure room at the Royal St. Lucia on Tuesday night as St. Lucia and Taiwan came together in celebration of the latter’s 105th National Day.
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, just in from an overseas visit, pledged his government’s support to Taiwan as it continues on its journey towards full recognition as a sovereign state by world bodies such as the United Nations.
He lamented the uphill battle Taiwan is presently engaged in for that recognition, pointing to the tremendous strides it has made in almost all fields.
Chastanet thanked Taiwan for its generosity to St. Lucia over the years, evidenced in St. Lucia’s agriculture, education, social transformation sectors and other areas of cooperation.
He likened his administration to Taiwan’s, noting that it also aspires to the same goals as Taiwan, encapsulating this in the words of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, who said that “whatever is not right we fix it, whatever is right, we stay the course and fear neither ridicule nor reproach.”
The night was not one for long speeches, but in full celebration of this anniversary of Taiwan as it continues to seek out its own national identity. Taiwanese Ambassador Ray Mou did not come to the party empty-handed, either.
Underscoring the cordial yet strong relations between the two countries over the past years as demonstrated by their teamwork in a wide range of areas, Mou called on St. Lucia to give Taiwan its continued support as it seek participation in international organizations.
“Your voice means a lot to us,” Ambassador Mou said.
His gift to St. Lucia on the night was in the form of US$200,000 to rebuild banana farms destroyed by Tropical Storm Matthew.
“In light of the importance of the banana industry to the economy of St. Lucia, my government has decided to contribute US$200,000 to facilitate the repair and rehabilitation of banana farms,” Mou said.
According to Mou, this year marks a new milestone for the people of his country as they continue their efforts at renewing and transforming Taiwan.
He espoused the vision of his government and that of his President which includes efforts to change the predicament of young people by giving them a healthy environment within which they can excel in their careers.
Taiwan is a significant player in the global economy, including being a major force in the global information and communication technology sector as a leading producer of computers, cellphones and semi-conductors.
It is the 27th largest economy of the world and was as of last year the 17th largest exporter and 18th largest importer of merchandise, according to the World Trade Organization.
The country is also the fifth-largest holder of foreign exchange reserves as of March 2015 with US$426 billion, according to Ambassador Mou.
However, despite these tremendous economic strides, Ambassador Mou pointed to the need for reforms in his country so as to revitalize its economy.
In the nine years of re-established diplomatic relations with Taiwan, St. Lucia has benefited immensely from that Asian nation.
“Good things have happened,” Ambassador Mou said of the nine years of diplomatic togetherness.
Moving forward, he sees better things ahead, such as new areas of mutual interest and the sharing of common principles between the two countries.
“Together I am sure we will make good things happen,” he said.
