The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrated Taiwan’s 113th National Day on Tuesday evening, October 8, 2024, underscoring the unwavering bonds of friendship and bilateral support between Taiwan and Saint Lucia.  

The reception was held at Sandals Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate, and invited guests included H.E. Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, Acting Governor General of Saint Lucia, and Mrs. Charles; H.E. Dame Pearlette Louisy, Governor General Emerita, Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Madam Pierre, other Cabinet Ministers, Government Senators, Permanent Secretaries, Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries Most Rev. Gabriel Malzaire, and others from the public and private sectors.

A short video highlighting Taiwan’s prominence in various spheres, including trade and agriculture, was screened, emphasizing Taiwan crucial role in promoting peace and democracy.    

In his address at the reception, H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, said 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune. He likened these attributes to the extraordinary achievements of Saint Lucia’s sprint star, Julien Alfred, whose perseverance and unwavering spirit at this year’s Olympic Games inspire everyone.

“It is with this same spirit of determination and success that the cooperation between Saint Lucia and Taiwan continues to thrive,” Ambassador Chen said.

Ambassador Chen recalled Taiwan successfully holding its eighth direct presidential and vice-presidential elections in January this year, which signaled a significant milestone in Taiwan’s democratic journey. He said Taiwan’s democracy is internationally recognized, and its Government remains committed to strengthening ties with diplomatic allies.

“Beyond our enduring partnerships with Saint Lucia in agriculture, infrastructure, education, and social initiatives, this year we witnessed the launch of the Laborie ICT Digital Development Centre, and the Fond St. Jacques Interpretation Center,” Ambassador Chen explained. “Of course, many more collaborations and achievements abound. These initiatives highlight the deepening strength of our relationship, focused on improving the lives of Saint Lucians and building capacity in critical sectors.”

Recognizing that human capacity building is essential for sustainable development, Ambassador Chen said six seed instructors from Saint Lucia who were trained in Taiwan returned with expertise in medicine, nursing, and health education. Many other Saint Lucian officials and people from the private sector have participated in workshops and training programmes in Taiwan and Saint Lucia, fostering mutual growth, he said. The signing of the Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Taiwan Technical Mission and the National Skills Development Centre in April this year marked a major milestone by providing 50 youth athletes with valuable upskilling opportunities.

“Aligned with Prime Minister Hon. Phillip J. Pierre’s Year of Infrastructure vision, Taiwan continues to support the Constituency Development Programme (CDP) through ongoing funding disbursements, promoting sustainable development and prosperity in local communities,” Ambassador Chen stated. “Moreover, Taiwan proudly awarded scholarships to 35 Saint Lucian students to pursue higher education in Taiwan. We also introduced Mandarin language courses at Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School for the first time, further strengthening the educational collaboration between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. These initiatives underscore our commitment to nurturing the next generation and fostering deeper cultural ties.”

Ambassador Chen noted that Saint Lucia remains one of Taiwan’s most cherished partners on the international stage. He referenced Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s visit to Taiwan with Hon. Minister for External Affairs, Alva Baptiste, in May this year to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President of Taiwan, demonstrating their strong support for the friendly relations between the two nations on the international stage.

Also of crucial importance, Ambassador Chen said, were Hon. Minister for Health, Moses Jn. Baptiste advocating for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization, emphasizing Taiwan’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the Global Health, and Hon. Minister Alva Baptiste reaffirming during the UN General Assembly in September Taiwan’s right to participate in the United Nations and other international organizations, emphasizing that UN Resolution 2758 of 1971 does not preclude Taiwan’s inclusion in the UN system.

“Taiwan also plays a vital role in global supply chains and holds a crucial geopolitical position,” said Ambassador Chen. “Taiwan ranked eighth in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook and second in the Asia-Pacific on the Economic Freedom Index, further solidifying our global standing.”

Ambassador Chen added: “As we reflect on our accomplishments, Taiwan look forward to building on our strong foundation with the Government of Saint Lucia. United in strength, we can achieve even greater heights. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a Happy Birthday to the Republic of China (Taiwan), and may the friendship between Saint Lucia and Taiwan continue to flourish.”

In his remarks, Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Development & Youth Economy, and Minister for Justice and National Security, on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, offered congratulations  to the Government and people of Taiwan on their 113th anniversary. He noted that the bonds of friendship between Taiwan and Saint Lucia had strengthened over the years.

“Taiwan is the 20th largest economy in the world and Saint Lucia is a small island developing state,” said Hon. Pierre. “What we can gain from Taiwan is immeasurable. Taiwan is known for its technology, agriculture, and people development. That is what the Saint Lucia Government is about -- developing the people of Saint Lucia, putting the people of Saint Lucia first.”

Hon. Pierre thanked the Government of Taiwan for the numerous contributions they have made to improve Saint Lucia’s agricultural, technological and youth thrust, particularly in the Youth Economy.

“The Youth Economy is one of the institutions that we believe that we can improve the well-being, employment and growth of the young people of Saint Lucia,” he said. “Our youth unemployment has decreased to 18%, but to my mind, and to the mind of the Cabinet of Ministers, this is still too high. We’re looking forward to the day when youth unemployment will be in single digit, and we rely on friends like the Government of Taiwan to assist us and to help us with that goal.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted Ambassador Chen’s support and love for Saint Lucia, adding that Saint Lucians, in turn, have embraced him. He thanked Ambassador Chen and his family and the entire Taiwan Embassy and Taiwan Technical Mission staff for the work towards improving the socio-economic development of Saint Lucians.

“Our relationship with Taiwan is based on respect, non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries, and on the fact that Saint Lucia deserves the right to choose its friends,” said Hon. Pierre. “Saint Lucia deserves the right and reserves that right to say who we are going to be friends with. We’ve decided and we’ve chosen that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be our friend.”

Attendees were treated to various Taiwanese dishes and beverages, and a special combined performance by students from St. Mary’s College and St. Joseph’s Convent who performed songs in Mandarin. A woodwork exhibition featured the works of Saint Lucian sculptor Jallim Eudovic and Taiwanese wood crafter Mr. Tsai Min-han. Other entertainment on the evening was provided by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, and four-time Calypso Monarch, Invader.

As customary, the cutting of the Taiwan flag-themed cake was among the highlights on the evening. H.E. Peter Chia-Yen Chen, Taiwan’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, and Mrs. Chen, joined H.E. Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, Acting Governor General of Saint Lucia, and Mrs. Charles; and Hon. Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Madam Pierre; to cut the cake.   

Taiwan’s National Day -- which is observed annually on October 10 -- is also referred to as Double Ten Day. The celebration marks the establishment of the Republic of China, which overthrew the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and relocated to Taiwan.