Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has reaffirmed
this country’s commitment to the Government and People of the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Delivering remarks at a reception ceremony to celebrate Taiwan’s 112 th National Day on
Monday, 9 th October, held at the Kingstown Baptist Church, Dr. Gonsalves
extended congratulations to Taiwan on its 112 th birthday. Gonsalves said he has been to every
Taiwan National Day celebration in SVG, in the 21 st century, and has never seen such a turnout,
of some 200 guests in attendance, as he saw on Monday night.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the relationship between SVG and the Republic of China
Taiwan is a strategic relationship of real solidarity and friendship. “This is not a transactional
relationship…this is something for all time”, he said.
Noting that the political party in opposition here in SVG said they would dismantle the 42 years
relationship between SVG and Taiwan, and establish diplomatic relations with the People’s
Republic of China, Dr. Gonsalves said; “I’m calling on those who have abandoned this
relationship [with Taiwan] to come back to the fold”.
Gonsalves pointed out that in a strategic partnership there has to be fundamental loyalty. “This
loyalty is demonstrated in real life and living, since the founding father of this nation established
diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) this relationship has gone on from
strength to strength".
PM Gonsalves said Taiwan has moved from a backward developing status to one of the top
economies in the world, adding that “they are an example to us.” He noted that “they like us, are
seeking to build democratic societies internally”, and “we have to learn from this ancient
civilization.”
The Prime Minister accepted that “…there is a one China civilization, not a one China policy, a
one China civilization. And we hold the view that any great civilization including the
magnificent Chinese civilization can possess more than one legitimate political expression
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organized as a state.” He pointed out that SVG works with the People’s Republic of China on the
international front but China will not allow SVG to abandon Taiwan, “a nation in which we are
well pleased”.
“What we need most of all and what we are working for all the time at the United Nations and
elsewhere is for peace across the Taiwan straits”, Dr. Gonsalves said.
Since 1981, Taiwan and SVG have collaborated in a number of areas including education,
infrastructural development, social development, agriculture, health and security, among others.
PM Gonsalves further pointed out that Taiwan has made extraordinary contributions to the
Argyle International Airport (AIA). “When you land there, remember Taiwan because they made
a critical contribution to the construction of the AIA.”
“Without the AIA, we would not have the expansion of tourism we are having and when you get
a job at Sandals, know that one of the reasons why you have that job is because of the AIA and
because we have Taiwan supporting us”, the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also commented on Taiwan’s contribution to the Rabacca Bridge. “When
your property across the [Rabacca] river increases in value, remember Taiwan because the banks
hardly wanted to give anybody mortgages to build houses or mortgages with severe restraints
and conditions, but now, they treat the property over there like anywhere in SVG because of the
Rabacca Bridge”, Dr. Gonsalves said.