By Ahford Peters
(iWitness News) – St Vincent and the Grenadines Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, St Claire Leacock, is advocating the deepening of relations with Taiwan, building on the strong bridges not only to strengthen friendship but be more like family.
Leacock spoke of his 4-month-old New Democratic Party (NDP) administration’s vision of becoming family through strengthening and deepening the almost 45-year-old relations shortly after arriving with his delegation at Taoyuan International Airport, where they were received by Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi on an official visit on Tuesday.
“We note with deep and profound appreciation, the tremendous assistance and brotherly relationships that we have enjoyed near 45 years across many sectors – education, agriculture, infrastructure, social development, fisheries. And while we do not come with cupped hands, begging, or saluting hands, we come with open minds and hearts and spirits to build on the strong bridges of friendship that have existed over the years, and the determination and the will and resilience that collectively will make the world a better place,” Leacock said as he delivered a message on behalf of Governor-General Stanley John, Prime Minister Godwin Friday, and the government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Leacock said collectively they were looking forward to being good ambassadors in Taiwan in the company of this country’s Ambassador to Taiwan, Kenton Chance and his wife, Symantha, who were present on their arrival.
