Amb. Fiona Huei-Chun Fan and Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, on behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, signed the Implementing Arrangements of the ”Improving Vegetable Cultivation Management and Post-harvest Handling Project” and “Improving Livestock Rearing Project” at the New Ground Primary School, North Union on 25th August, 2023, officially launching the projects.
Hon. Grenville Williams, Attorney General of SVG, Mr. Renato Gumbs, Chief Agricultural Officer, Dr. Kathian Hackshaw-Herbert, Chief Veterinary Officer, Mr. Karomo Browne, Ms. Calicia Davis, Mr. Rohan McDonald, Mr. Gordon Shallow and other officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, colleagues from the Taiwan Embassy and the Taiwan Technical Mission, the media and local residents also attended the signing ceremony. Hon. Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, Prime Minister of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ms. Naeemah Hazelle, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office of SKN also paid a visit to the ceremony amid his busy schedule, and encouraged local farmers to enhance their produce.
Amb. Fan said in her remarks that 15th August was the 42nd anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Taiwan and SVG. The two countries had been working closely in the fields of agriculture, ICT, public health, women’s empowerment, education, infrastructure and humanitarian assistance. The two new agricultural projects launched today manifested Taiwan’s commitment in assisting the development of SVG’s agricultural techniques and equipment. She hoped the projects would not only benefit farmers but also enhance the development of communities, and lay the foundation for food security.
In his remarks, Hon. Minister Caesar elaborated the agricultural policies and goals of SVG. He said SVG needed to increase the production to supply the foreseeable tourist demand as the new hotels open, and continuously reduce its import bills on food and focus on food security. In light of this, the two new agricultural projects were essential and he pledged to continue close cooperation with the Taiwan Technical Mission to achieve the goals. On behalf of SVG, he expressed sincere appreciation for the long-term support from the government and people of Taiwan. (E)
