Castries, August 13, 2024 – Saint Lucia’s enduring relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan) under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre continues to redound to our citizens, communities and country in significant ways.
Our two island nations share common values on national development. Taiwan has embraced the government’s vision to facilitate the development of our people and strengthen our economy and national infrastructure through knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, trade and financial support.
On August 12, 2024, Saint Lucia and Taiwan officially announced new actions to advance the government’s people-first development agenda through a series of Bilateral Cooperation Projects.
These Projects entail timely solutions that will improve the resiliency of community infrastructure against climate hazards, enhance the capacity of our first responders and provide targeted social interventions that develop our human capital.
Taiwan has committed $5,587,675 towards the Bilateral Cooperation Projects. The government has identified six (6) key initiatives which will be funded under the Bilateral Cooperation Projects.
The Bilateral Cooperation Projects: $5,587,675
- Castries East Drainage Project – Bagatelle: $350,000
- Community Centers – Castries North and Castries East: $1,500,000
- Local Government Community Project: $1,358,450
- West Coast Sub Fire Station: $1,200,000
- Youth Economy Agency – Innovation Hub: $500,000
- TVET Transformation: $679,225
The people of Saint Lucia will inherit the immediate benefits of these Projects. The Government of Saint Lucia unreservedly extends its gratitude and thanks to the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for their continuous support.
Quotes:
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre
When you ask us, how do we use the Taiwanese grant funds, we can tell you exactly what we do with it, where is it (sic) and how the people benefit. So the $5 million that we are getting today compliments the government of Taiwan, we are going to be using it to benefit the people of Saint Lucia – the people!
Ambassador for the Republic of China (Taiwan), H.E. Peter Chia-yen Chen
This past April, I had the privilege of sitting in Parliament listening to Honourable Prime Minister Pierre deliver the 2024/2025 budget address titled Building Our Infrastructure for Our Resilient Economy. And I was pleased to see that many of the vital initiatives mentioned in the Prime Minister’s speech are included in the Bilateral Cooperation proposals submitted to my embassy by the Department of Economic Development.
The funds we are providing today encompass six projects in several critical areas, including trade, small scale infrastructure, social security and youth innovation. By empowering both the government and civil society, we aim to enhance national development and foster economic growth.
Together, we are not just building infrastructure, but also laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous future for our people.
Permanent Secretary, Department of Economic Development and the Youth Economy, Mr. Paul Hilaire
I would like to say that these donations, are not just financial contribution, but a symbol of the deep rooted friendship and mutual respect for our two countries. And for that, I would like to thank you. The projects are cross-cutting and it impacts that work of the programs of several ministries.
They are specifically designed to improve the lives and social resilience of these groups. And that is the important thing. And this is our mantra to help the safety net and the whole, foundation of which we could elevate persons from where they are today.
