St. Vincent and the Grenadines has yet again benefited from the goodwill of the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan. Ambassador Leo Lee, at a press conference held on Friday, October 24, handed over a cheque for EC$2.07 million, which was the remainder of the yearly Civic Development Fund.{{more}}

Sir Louis Straker, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, received the sum on behalf of the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Ambassador Lee stated that the fund is to be used in the Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme, to build Learning Resource Centres and in the upgrading of the Cumberland Playing Field. Lee related that the amount donated would rise from $2 million to $2.5 million in 2009 – an increase he credited to the Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.

The Taiwanese ambassador also foresees: “…an increase of projects within the communities in the next 3 years.”

Although the agreement between Taiwan and SVG to provide US$60,000 worth of computer equipment, officially came to an end in 2006, the Taiwanese Embassy managed to obtain extra funding to prolong the agreement. Ambassador Lee cited this as an “…important programme” that was implemented in 1996 through the Declaration of Foreign Ministers Meeting of Eastern Caribbean Allies. He highlighted the fact that this was being made possible despite the challenges faced by the Taiwanese government as a result of the current global financial crisis, but was confident that, “…they will be put to good use.”

The extended donation includes: 25 desktop computers, 25 17” flat screen monitors, 25 printers and ink cartridges, 25 speakers, 10 notebooks, 2 laser-jet printers, 1 projector and 5 air purifiers.

Ambassador Lee assured his audience that his Government is committed to the development of SVG. “…the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan will continue to work closely with the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in promoting the economic development of SVG.”