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Contact:
Darnley Lebourne
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 – The government of Saint Lucia is issuing this
statement as a deliberate and public expression of its profound appreciation for
the assistance and friendship demonstrated to date by the Government of Taiwan
to the Government of Saint Lucia. Government is proud of its association with
the Government of Taiwan, which has facilitated mutually beneficial initiatives
and exchanges between our people. The assistance provided by the Government of
Taiwan since the formalization of diplomatic relationships in 2008 has had far
reaching and core impact on the economic and social fabric of our nation. It is
the kind of assistance which has touched the lives of many Saint Lucians and has
helped to significantly enhance our landscape particularly in the rural areas of
our Country. The Government of Taiwan with the collaboration and partnership of
the Government of Saint Lucia has introduced projects, which can best be
described as far-reaching and sustainable.
Government is convinced that the friendship and assistance of the Taiwanese is
one which is one which is not couched in the securing of narrow self interest,
but instead is based on strengthening our ability to be self-reliant,
industrious, technologically competent and proud citizens of the world
community. It is now clear to most Saint Lucians that the contributions made by
the Taiwanese in three (3) years far outstrips and easily dwarfs that made by
the Communist Government of China in the nine (9) year period – 1997 to 2006.
The Taiwanese extension of friendship has impacted almost every major sector of
our society. The areas impacted are: Agriculture, Education and Technology,
Health, Eco Tourism, Youth & Sports, Business and Entrepreneurial Development
and Community/Social Development projects. With respect to community and social
projects over one thousand (1000) grass-roots projects have been implemented
within a period of eighteen (18) months.
Despite the numerous accusations, attacks and veil threats from the Opposition
and their detractors, the Government of Taiwan has set about its mission of
cooperation assistance with the highest degree of dignity, integrity and
respect. The projects implemented to date through the assistance of the
Taiwanese have all been executed based on guidelines formulated by the Taiwanese
Embassy in Saint Lucia. These guidelines provide for transparent application and
disbursement procedures. Below is a summary of projects implemented through
Taiwanese assistance:
1.Agricultural Projects on Agriculture
- Tissue Culture Development Union Phase I and II
- Orchid Project
- Aquaculture Development Project
- Meat Processing Facility (MPF) Project
- Assistance for Greenhouse Vegetable Production
2.Education and Technology
- National ICT Center
- Taiwan Scholarships
- Computer Donation to Schools and Institutions
- e-Government Project, as well as assistance in establishment of similar
undertakings in e-Transportation, e-Police and e-Agriculture Projects
3.Health Projects
- The Rehabilitation of the Pediatric and the Gynecology Wards at Victoria
Hospital
- Saint Lucia National Psychiatric Wellness Center
- Procurement of Medical Equipment for Victoria Hospital
- Providing Master Plan for discussion by Officials re: rebuilding of
Saint Jude Hospital
4.Eco-tourism Projects
- Pigeon Island Pier Construction Project (Tourism Project)
- Birding in Saint Lucia Phase I, II, and III (Education and Bio-tourism
Project)
5.Youth and Sport Development Projects
- Upgrading of George Oldum Stadium in preparation for the hosting of
Carifta Games in April, 2009.
- Initiation of National Tennis Center Project at Beausejour, Gros Islet.
6. Business Projects
- Saint Lucia and Taiwan Partnership Trade Exhibition 2008 and 2009
- Aid for Trade Seminar
The listing above is certainly not exhaustive and serves to confirm the
substantial input made by the Government of Taiwan to our nation’s growth and
development. The recent televising of a twenty seven (27) minute documentary on
local television networks showcasing the contribution of the Taiwanese over the
past year was very instructive and provided tangible evidence of the phenomenal
contribution of the Taiwanese to date.
The Government of Taiwan through Ambassador Tom Chou has demonstrated in a
very pronounced way the value of their friendship to the Government and people
of Saint Lucia. Government therefore is both comfortable and confident in
speaking on behalf of the people of Saint Lucia in registering our deepest
appreciation and in celebrating the friendship and contribution of Taiwan to the
development of our beloved nation.
___________________________
Darnley Lebourne
Press Secretary
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