By Floyd French
Observer Reporter
(Basseterre, St. Kitts) – Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said his recent trip to Taiwan in late January was productive and that the government of the Republic of China has committed itself to provide millions of dollars in grants to fund projects at the community level.
Speaking at his monthly news conference, the prime minister said these projects were part of “government’s critical social programme in support of the economic transformation as outlined in the adaptation strategy that government has adapted since the closure of the sugar industry back in (July) 2005.”
Among these projects earmarked for assistance are completing of the Bird Rock athletic stadium; expanding the day care service in St. Pauls; the upgrading and fencing of the Half-Way Tree pavilion; the fencing of the Verchilds High School, the constructing a new sporting facility for the communities of West Farm and Boyds; upgrading of the Saddlers sporting complex; upgrading of the Challenger’s playing field and completing the St. Peter’s sporting complex and playing field.
“The funding of these projects is further evidence of the commitment of our friends in Taiwan to assist in the development of St. Kitts-Nevis and to the overall transformation of the national economy,” Dr. Douglas said.
“Taiwan is a very important partner to St. Kitts and Nevis in the attainment of our social transformation agenda,” he said.
The prime minister disclosed that the Government would receive a cheque shortly to finalise the additional funding for the Bird Rock stadium. He also disclosed that the further funding amounted to $2.5 million.
The St’ Kitts-Nevis contingent to Taiwan included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris; Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Cedric Liburd; Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Financial Secretary, Mrs. Janet Harris.
While in Taiwan, Hon. Cedric Liburd signed a new technical cooperation agreement that would benefit local farmers. According to the prime minister, the agreement provides for “the introduction of new agriculture and food crops and enhance our thrust to develop our own agro-tourism industry.”
The St. Kitts-Nevis delegation to Taiwan also officially opened a St. Kitts-Nevis Embassy. The Prime Minister said the embassy would facilitate further cooperation between the two governments.
