Taiwan’s 115th National Day Celebrations in Kingstown on Thursday became a show of solidarity with St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), as Ambassador Fiona Fan announced US$100,000 in emergency assistance for communities affected by Monday night’s flooding.
Fan said Taiwan’s contribution to the flood relief would support recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
“Our thoughts are with every affected family and community,” she said. “Taiwan stands shoulder to shoulder with you,” she said.
The diplomat described Taiwan’s development as a transformation “from authoritarianism to democracy, and from an emerging economy to a global technology leader.”
She highlighted Taiwan’s strength in semiconductors, information and communication technology, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Fan also spoke about security and peace across the Taiwan Strait, saying: “Around 50% of the world’s container ships pass through the Taiwan Strait. It means a contingency for Taiwan would be a contingency for the world.”
She added: “Taiwan’s sovereignty rests in its people.”
The ambassador turned to the countries’ cooperation, outlining projects in agriculture, infrastructure, public safety and education.
She said a young farmers programme had trained 75 Vincentian farmers in crop production, post-harvest handling and agribusiness, while a livestock initiative had helped double pig production and improve quality.
She also cited Taiwan’s contributions to infrastructure, including the Rabacca Bridge, Argyle International Airport and the Kingston Port modernisation, as well as support for healthcare information systems and 330 CCTV cameras installed across the country.
In education, she said, more than 12,500 young Vincentians had received support through the Taiwan Bursary Programme, and 357 students had been awarded scholarships to study in Taiwan.
Governor-General Sir Stanley John congratulated Taiwan on its 115th National Day, also known as Double 10 Day, and described the country as “an international benchmark for democracy, innovation, technology, economic development, and global cooperation”.
He said Taiwan and SVG shared values including democracy, social justice and equality before the law, and pointed to Taiwan’s technological achievements as a source of inspiration.
“May our bonds of friendship endure to the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Godwin Friday recalled his August visit to Taiwan, where he and his delegation were welcomed by President Lai Ching-te.
“We were welcomed as family by President Lai, and treated as such by everyone that we met,” he said.
Friday said the visit left him thinking less about Taiwan’s statistics and more about its people, praising Taiwan’s investment in education, innovation and technology.
He also reaffirmed his support for Taiwan’s participation in international organisations.
“We are happy to be your friend … and we will continue to advocate on your behalf,” the prime minister said.
Friday described Kingstown-Taipei ties as a relationship built through practical cooperation and personal connections, including Vincentian students studying in Taiwan.
“Relationships between countries ultimately become most meaningful when they create relationships among people,” he said.