Her Excellency Ambassador Fiona Huei-Chun Fan, on behalf of people and the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), presented a $3 million USD ($8,064,600 EC Dollars) social relief grant to the Honorable Dr. Godwin Friday, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on February 3, 2026. This significant contribution from Taiwan is dedicated to supporting the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Social Relief Project, standing as a testament to the enduring friendship and steadfast partnership.
The handover reflects Taiwan’s recognition of the vital importance of social equity and societal stability, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Social Relief Project is designed to meet the needs in communities, assisting Vincentian families, directly strengthening social institutions. Taiwan’s support for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is both multi-layered and institutional, spanning from critical infrastructure to human-centric development.
Prime Minister Friday expressed his profound gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for this generous handover and fruits of friendship. While acknowledging Taiwan's pivotal role in building national infrastructure, such as the Kingstown Modern Port and the Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital, the Prime Minister emphasized that this specific grant represents a vital “investment in people”.
He assured that the funds would meet real needs within the communities and strengthen social institutions across the country. Looking forward, the Prime Minister highlighted his government's interests in deepening collaboration with Taiwan in developing blue economy, fishing industry, and agriculture, leveraging Taiwan's specific expertise in these areas. He reaffirmed the two nations' shared values in democracy, the rule of law, and mutual commitment to international and multilateral institutions.
In her address, Ambassador Fan expressed gratitude for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international organization, enabling Taiwan to share its expertise through good governance with the global community. She further characterized the bilateral relationship through the theme of “connectivity,” highlighting that true progress involves connecting people to opportunities and nations to a shared future. Taiwan’s commitment is evidenced by a robust portfolio of collaboration, including strategic infrastructure, deepening sectoral cooperation, and economic diversification.
The handover ceremony was also attended by Hon. Fitzgerald Bramble, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Shevern John, Minister of Social Welfare and Community Empowerment, Ecclesiatical Affairs and National Heritage, and Hon. Cheiftain Neptune, Senator and Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have established the diplomatic relationship since 1981. As the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaches in 2026, Taiwan is looking forward to working closely with the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to deepen policy coordination, strengthen collaborative partnership, and deliver tangible outcomes that promote prosperity, equity, and shared success. (E)
