BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — At 24 meters tall and more than 14,000 sq ft, St. Kitts and Nevis has opened the largest greenhouse in the Caribbean region in a project described as “a dream come true.”
That was expressed by the Republic of China (Taiwan’s) Resident Ambassador His Excellency Miguel Li-Jey Tsao at a ceremony marking the official opening of the St. Kitts Eco-Park (SKEP) on Friday (November 21).
“Today, it is the season to reap what we have sown and it is time to elevate the bilateral cooperation between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its best ally, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to a new height,” he told scores of invited guests, including His Excellency the Governor General, the Right Honourable Prime Minister, other ministers of government, and numerous public and private sector officials, as well as school students.
The Eco-Park is a cooperation project between the ROC and the twin-island state. It incorporates the successful integration of tourism, agriculture and renewable energy. It boasts what is termed a “4G” concept by being a green house in a glass cabin that uses green energy, and showcases green beauty.” Inside, numerous species of plants grow including local medicinal herbs, roses, butterfly orchids and more. A wide array of tropical fruit trees are spread out around the 20-acre compound. Several other buildings are also on site, including a business center.
Minister of Agriculture the Honourable Nigel Carty reflected on the groundbreaking for the SKEP in 2012 and marvelled at the transformation that has taken place.
“The Eco-Park signals the way forward for ecotourism and rural development,” he stated. “We are changing the rural landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis. This is indeed real progress and real change for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Together the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China should celebrate this great day. We have indeed made important strides towards ensuring that the people of St. Kitts and Nevis in general have this grand opportunity to experience ecotourism, green technology and the development of a unique agro-tourism product, thanks to the work of the ROC and our government and the unfailing commitment to our people.”
Minister Carty also congratulated Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas for his vision in proposing a project on this scale for the federation. It was inspired after a visit to a similar facility in Taiwan in 2008.
The Prime Minister thanked Taiwan for its contribution and commitment to seeing the project come to fruition. He mentioned that the “facility is yet another compelling example of the real and meaningful progress” brought about by government policies and highlighted that international interest is already being shown by persons to visit the SKEP.
This project “will live in our hearts forever,” Prime Minister Douglas declared.
The opening of the SKEP also signalled the opening of the St. Kitts-Nevis and Taiwan Trade Show 2014. A number of products are on display from companies from both countries.