TAIPEI, Taiwan – St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas says his Government and People of the twin-island Federation will continue to seek the support of the Government and People of the Republic of China in adapting new economic activities that will improve the standard of living of all the people in the twin-island Federation.
He said St. Kitts and Nevis values the friendship of the Government and People of Taiwan and intend in deepening that friendship which has been further strengthened and solidified over the past six years.
“The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to look forward to the time when you will be given recognition and you will be able to take your rightful place among the Nations of the World,” said Prime Minister Douglas to Republic of China President, Chen Shui-bian during a red carpet welcome ceremony on the steps of the Presidential Palace.
Dr. Douglas who inspected several ranks of the Taiwan military told President Chen, members of his Cabinet, Senior Civil Servants and members of the Diplomatic Corps that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is at a critical junction in its socio-economic and political history, having closed its 350 year old sugar industry, which has been the main source of economic, social and political life to the people of the twin-island Federation.
“Since the closure of the sugar industry, my Government has been on a steady and focus course to transform the economy to one that is now based on services. There is no doubt in our mind that we shall not fail and that is because we are inspired and encouraged by the path that Taiwan has taken in its own transformation from an agricultural-based economy since the early 1950’s and 1960’s, to become one of the most challenging technological giants around the world especially in the area of services and technological development,” said Prime Minster Douglas, who added that his Government in Basseterre, continues to look forward to the time when the Republic of China on Taiwan will be given recognition and be able to take its rightful place among the Nations of the World.
He thanked President Chen and his Government for assisting St. Kitts and Nevis in establishing the new information technology centre in Basseterre following a specific request that he made during an Official Visit in 2006.
Dr. Douglas said his Government will continue to seek the support of the Republic of China on Taiwan “as we pursue a strategy of adaptation of new economic activities so as to improve the standard of living of all of our people.”
“In this regard, my delegation would wish to engage you on certain specific issues relevant to our own Adaptation Strategy during the course of my visit and my I of course thank your distinguished Minister of Foreign Affairs, who only this morning, signed an agreement that will further the cooperation between our two countries in the development of agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who pledged the continued support of the Government and the People of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis “as we continue our journey of mutual friendship and goodwill on behalf of all our peoples.”
Prime Minister Douglas, who later met privately with President Chen is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris; Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Cedric Liburd; Chief SEcretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade; Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janet Harris and Press Secretaryto the Prime Minister, Mr. Erasmus Williams.
