Taiwan donates US$200,000 for Matthew affected farmers!

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t a special ceremony on Tuesday evening the Taiwanese Mission in Saint Lucia marked the 105^th establishment of the Republic of China- National Day or otherwise known as the Double Ten Day. Taiwanese National Day commemorates the 10th October 1911 Wuchang Uprising, characterized as a period that marked the beginning of the revolution from nearly two millennia of imperial rule under the Chinese royal class. Hosted at the Rex Saint Lucia by the island’s Taiwanese Mission, the ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and several of his Cabinet colleagues. Also in attendance was recently elected leader of the House opposition Mr. Philip J. Pierre and other members of the Saint Lucia Labour Party.

On the special occasion the ROC (Taiwan) pledged USD $200,000 in humanitarian aid to Saint Lucian farmers suffering the effects of Hurricane Matthew, which also ravaged Haiti, Cuba, and much of the Floridian coastline. According the Prime Minister Allen Chastanet during his initial assessment post Hurricane Matthew, “85% of the agricultural sector has been damaged.”

Taiwan also donated a similar amount to assist recovery following the passing of the Christmas trough of 2014. Taiwan has demonstrated a continued commitment to the people of Saint Lucia since the reopening of diplomatic relations in 2007.

Other current cooperation undertakings between Taiwan and the people of Saint Lucia include the Banana Black Sigatoka Treatment and Prevention Project; Fruit and Vegetable Demonstration and Extension Project and the Aquaculture Cooperation Project.