The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has pledged US$150,000 toward the setting up of a scholarship fund in honour of Sir Vincent Beache, former leader of the Unity Labour Party, who died on August 5.
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said in Parliament last Thursday, while paying tribute to the former Parliamentarian, that Government had taken a decision to match the Taiwanese contribution, and he committed himself to looking for additional funding from both local private and public entities, as well as from abroad.
The fund will be used to assist students attending the St Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and Universities across the region, Gonsalves said.
“This is separate and distinct from any other scholarships set up in his memory, or any other fitting memorial which seek to honour him,” the Prime Minister explained.
Sir Vincent was formerly recognized in Parliament, with members on both sides paying tribute to the 87-year-old veteran politician.
His years in politics span from 1972, and he served as Leader of the Opposition between 1985 and 1989.
Sir Vincent served first as Parliamentarian Representative for the North Central Windward constituency and then the South Windward constituency before retiring in 2005 from active politics.
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The state should not pay a cent towards this fund. This man was awarded a Knighthood for services to Ralph Gonsalves and the Gonsalves/Francis dynasty. He was also rewarded by paying him obscene amounts of money over the years from state funds for working under quasi titles. This is one of the disgraceful actions emanating from the dynasty, something for all Vincentians to be ashamed of for allowing it to happen.