The Voice, 15th November, 2008, Saint Lucia
Who is Really Tom Chou? (Part 2)
Last week I was privileged to share some of my observations about the Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chou. Today I want to outline an interview with the Ambassador where he assured me that his government was committed to Saint Lucia. He maintains that the government's projects pursued by his embassy are done in a manner that is transparent and is not geared to any individual or political party.
He explained that the main focus is on Agriculture and Community Development. I was therefore interested to know why those two areas? He explained that Agriculture has been successful in Taiwan and was therefore a good foundation for the stability and success of his country. He cited that current world food prices are a clear indication why this is important to Saint Lucia. He believes that it will help in the Economic Development of the country, but not only that, it will also provide more work thereby helping to stabilize the country and also have some effect on the level of crime.
He saw the community projects as necessary because it affects people at the community level. Many of the community projects involved footpaths, drainage; sports complex etc; which can effectively improve the quality of life for the residents in the community. He also believed that Taiwan can help in the medical field in having exchange visits by medical practitioners.
He assured me that his Embassy and his superiors in Taiwan work closely with the government of Saint Lucia in regards to those projects. He also reminded me that all workers on the project come from the local community. This he said generates money for the community which helps to stabilize and bring life to the community. He made mention of Sir John's words where he said that "give a man a fish and he eats for a day, but teach him to fish and he will eat for life". In his view Community Development projects help in sharing experiences. He assured me that his country in not here to give money frivolously but to help in the consideration of worthwhile projects that will benefit the community as a whole. However, he was disappointed by the attitude of the opposition in regards to these community projects. He admits that in talking to the press we all make mistakes in that some of what is said is taken out of context. The ambassador believes that there have been unfounded allegations made by politically motivated individuals that Taiwan just gives money to Ministers for projects. He believes that these criticisms are unfair and unwarranted. His embassy has to account for all monies spent and a regular audit is done by the Government in Taiwan. His government therefore has always been a transparent government.
His concerns about this misconception show that there is a bias by some against his government and the Embassy. He maintains that his Embassy is trying to address any misconceptions by trying to understand the culture and the people of Saint Lucia to the extent that they are now learning to speak creole. He believes that his contribution to Saint Lucia is not to private individuals but to Saint Lucia as a whole.
The Ambassador was grateful to the Prime Minister for his positive approach at the United Nations in the defence of Taiwan's bid to join the "family of nations".
He recognized that the Prime Minister did not fear the pressure from China and made a valiant case in support of Taiwan. He assured me that the Government of Taiwan appreciated Saint Lucia's and the Prime Minister's help in their bid to join the "family of nations".
What impressed me while interviewing the Ambassador was his admission that they too depended on aid at some point in his country's development? He pointed out that Taiwan received American Aid from 1950 to 1965. However, he was quick to point out with some pride in his voice that from 1965 onwards Taiwan's economy was strong enough to sustain itself. Having graduated from being given aid he believes that now is the time for his country to give back to the world community and in choosing Saint Lucia Taiwan saw this country not only as a country to receive aid but always saw Saint Lucia as a friend.
The Ambassador has shown his willingness to help Saint Lucia by further committing his country to help in making right the short fall that is needed to bring the George Odlum stadium to international standards in time for the Carifta games. It is estimated that the cost to repair the stadium might be in the region of 10 million dollars of which the Government of Saint Lucia has earmarked 4.5m dollars. Once again the Taiwanese people are committed to helping this country in its development without asking much in return.
The Ambassador in my estimation was the right person for this country. He has made every effort to understand our culture and is prepared to put his neck on the line in convincing his superiors in Taiwan that the projects he has sanctioned and has committed his country to, are necessary for the development of this beautiful country of ours we call 'The Helen Of the West".
In concluding I am personally grateful to the Ambassador for the work his embassy and his government have done for Saint Lucia. I believe and hope that as long as they continue to be friends of Saint Lucia the benefits we accrue may not be ours but that of our children and their children.
There are lots we can learn from our Taiwanese brothers and sisters and the Ambassador is making this possible for us. We have to put aside our political partisanship and do what is best for our country just like President Elect Obama is doing at present. I continue to reiterate that Taiwan has asked us nothing back in return but our support in 'The United Nations'. They have shown to the world that they have developed as a people and as a nation encapsulated by the idea of democracy and have presently shown that no one is above the law regardless of what high position one holds or has held. They believe that the judicial process must prevail. I personally wish that many countries who say they practise democracy would adopt it as wholeheartedly as Taiwan has done.
In my estimation Tom Chou is without a doubt a man who believes in democracy, transparency, accountability and above all he is a man of integrity and has a passion for what he thinks is right. He is prepared therefore to stand up for justice, to stand up for truth and above all believes in the dignity of man. I end as I began by asking 'Who is Tom Chou'? I hope I have answered that question in the affirmative.
