By Caribbean News Global 
TAIWAN / ST KITTS – NEVIS – On May 7, 2024, St Kitts and Nevis celebrated the signing ceremony for the commencement of the new climate-smart JNF [Joseph Nathaniel France] General Hospital, which will become the flagship hospital, in St Kitts and the Caribbean region.
Prime Minister Terrance Drew in discussion at the bilateral talks during his visit to Taiwan June 24, 2024, quantified that the collaboration with the Overseas Engineering and Construction Company (OECC), a prominent construction firm headquartered in Taiwan, underscored the deep bonds of cooperation and mutual support between our nations, and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to former President Tsai Ing-wen for her instrumental support in launching this initiative and his confidence that President Lai will guide them to its successful completion.
Prime Minister Drew, noted that this initiative marks the inception of a transformative endeavour to establish a comprehensive “health city” in St Kitts and Nevis. The goal is to serve the local populace, neighbouring islands, and visitors, redefining healthcare, accessibility, and quality, not only in St Kitts and Nevis, but in the Caribbean region.
“Taiwan has generously supported St Kitts and Nevis in the journey to become a sustainable island state, adding that this collaboration has significantly boosted capacity to harness solar energy, addressing their needs while aligning with their commitment to environmental sustainability,” Prime Minister Drew, added.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan’s support was invaluable. The provision of medical supplies, personal protective equipment, and vaccines greatly aided national response, ensuring the health and safety of citizens. St Kitts and Nevis has been a steadfast advocate for Taiwan on the global stage, consistently calling for its inclusion in international organizations and fora where Taiwan’s expertise and experience can contribute to global solutions.”
In addition to healthcare, Prime Minister Drew noted that bilateral engagement has flourished in areas such as education, renewable energy, and technology.
Taiwan has generously supported St Kitts and Nevis in the journey to become a sustainable island state. This collaboration has significantly increased the capacity to harness solar energy, addressing needs while aligning with the commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Education and healthcare remain pillars of our bilateral engagement,” Prime Minister Drew said. “St Kitts and Nevis is grateful for the scholarships and training programs provided by Taiwan, which have enabled many young people to pursue higher education and specialized skills. These opportunities are critical to the nation’s development, as we strive to invest in human capital.”
Prime Minister Drew acknowledged that today is a testament to the enduring and robust bonds between St Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan.
“For over 40 years, our countries have shared a deep and meaningful partnership, built on the principles of democracy, mutual respect, and shared values. President Lai’s election marked a new chapter in Taiwan’s history, reflecting the strength and resilience of its democratic processes.”
Prime Minister Drew said that they are here today to demonstrate their full country support to Taiwan, and highlighted that St Kitts and Nevis supports Taiwan’s inclusion in international fora; and recognized Taiwan’s significant contributions to international discourse and its potential to offer solutions to many of the challenges we face today as a global community.
“We are united by our shared experiences and aspirations and we look forward to continuing this journey together, fostering growth and prosperity for all of our peoples,” said Prime Minister Drew.
St Kitts and Nevis is a strong supporter of Taiwan’s international participation, per resolutions supporting Taiwan’s bid to join the UN, Interpol, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organization (WTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
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The Office of the President Republic of China (Taiwan) recently established the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee to create a healthier Taiwan.
“We will actively advance the development of public health and medicine in Taiwan,” said President Lai Ching-te. “Allowing Taiwan to accumulate even more experience and build even stronger capabilities in the medical field, which can be shared with the rest of the world.”
Source: Office of the President Republic of China (Taiwan).
