Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 14, 2015 (SKNIS)—Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Eugene Hamilton has lauded the support of the People’s Republic of China on Taiwan for its continued support to the development of the agriculture sector in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“I don’t want people to underestimate the contribution of Taiwan to our nation,” Minister Hamilton said.
The agriculture minister disclosed that Taiwan is contributing to the pesticides lab in St. Kitts, where it is providing equipment and training to help determine the level of chemicals in the soil. The support from Taiwan in this regard would also help ensure that the chemicals used in the field do not seep into the food grown while at the same time benefiting the farmers.
Minister Hamilton said it is important that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis understand the significance of the diplomatic relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan, which has existed for over 30 years since the days of Dr. Kennedy Simmonds as premier and eventually prime minister. The minister noted that after independence when St. Kitts and Nevis formalized its relationship with Taiwan, the British Government was not pleased, but Dr. Simmonds stood his ground. Today, Mr. Hamilton suggested that St. Kitts and Nevis has benefited tremendously from the relationship with Taiwan.
“A change of government should not change your diplomatic relations with countries that are of like mind,” Hamilton said, noting that the relationship with Taiwan has transcended three administrations since independence.
Taiwan has also provided support to St. Kitts and Nevis through the International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF). Taiwan ICDF is dedicated to boosting socio-economic development, enhancing human resources and promoting economic relations in a range of developing partner countries. The Fund also offers humanitarian assistance and provides aid in the event of natural disasters, makes direct or indirect investments and finances lending operations.