BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (SKNIS) – Prime Minister the Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, used a visit to the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on Monday (April 8, 2024, to express his sympathies and that of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for the lives lost and injuries suffered during the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the nation on Wednesday, April 05.
Latest media reports from Taiwan indicate that rescue efforts are continuing in disaster-hit Hualien County, six days after the quake struck. Several people are still reported missing.
“We, of course, have been very heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences for the loss of lives and we also wish those who are injured a speedy recovery. For those who have not been found as yet, we also wish that they would be found safely,” Prime Minister Drew expressed, during his discussions with the Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Michael Lin at the embassy in Basseterre.
Upon learning of the devastation in the early hours of Wednesday morning (local time), Prime Minister Drew immediately contacted St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Donya Francis, who informed him that the students studying there were all safe. However, concerned about the well-being of all the people of Taiwan, the prime minister also reached out to Ambassador Lin for an update on the situation.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has been one of the closest allies of St. Kitts and Nevis over the last forty (40) years, having established formal diplomatic relations shortly after the Federation attained nationhood in 1983.
As such, Prime Minister Drew stated that the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis will continue to support Taiwan, particularly now during these trying times.
“We want to say to the Government and people of Taiwan that St. Kitts and Nevis is with you very strongly and to say that your pain is our pain, and I wanted to come [to the Embassy] to demonstrate our strong support and to let the people of Taiwan know that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis support you during this difficult time,” Dr Drew said, noting that he will continue to monitor the situation in Taiwan very closely.
Ambassador Lin thanked Prime Minister Dr Drew for his concern, sympathy and prayers since the natural disaster struck last week. He assured Dr Drew that his messages of condolences and goodwill have all been relayed to the President and Vice President of Taiwan.
“I want to thank the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for demonstrating so much compassion and solidarity during this difficult time in Taiwan,” Ambassador Lin said, highlighting that the safety of all nationals of the Federation living in Taiwan was of high priority.
According to national authorities, as of Sunday, April 07, 13 people died, six are still missing, and 1,133 were injured in the strongest quake to hit the country in 25 years.