by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN) – The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis recently passed a Resolution in the National Assembly on April 4 in support of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s) bid for inclusion on the international stage.
Specifically, Taiwan is looking to participate internationally in various organisations, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO) and more.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr Terrance Drew, moved the resolution.
“WHEREAS the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis, being a member of the interparliamentary platform, Formosa Club, in the Caribbean, treasures the diplomatic ties between the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis and Republic of China on Taiwan, and recognises that the profound friendship between our two countries has grown stronger over the years based on shared values, the respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights
AND WHEREAS the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis values [the] Republic of China on Taiwan as a major contributor in international public health while its healthcare system has earned a global reputation and has been our dedicated partner in public health, as well as in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
AND WHEREAS the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis recognises [the] Republic of China on Taiwan’s efforts and contributions to renewable energy and to the objective of net-zero emissions by 2050, as well as Taiwan’s willingness to share mitigation and adaptation projects to climate change, and to enhance early warning systems for disaster prevention
AND WHEREAS the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis treasures [the] Republic of China on Taiwan’s contributions to combating transnational crime and calls for Taiwan’s appropriate inclusion and meaningful participation in meetings, mechanisms, and activities related to the fight against transnational crime and terrorism so as to create a seamless security network and together uphold global justice
AND WHEREAS the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis acknowledges [the] Republic of China on Taiwan’s importance in the development and governance of international civil aviation and the indispensability of its inclusion in cooperation mechanisms in order to safeguard global aviation safety and reconnect the world in the post-pandemic recovery
BE IT RESOLVED THEREFORE THAT the National Assembly of Saint Christopher and Nevis endorses Republic of China on Taiwan’s bids to participate in a professional, pragmatic, and constructive manner in international and regional mechanisms and organisations, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Criminal Police International Organization (INTERPOL) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”
The Leader of the Opposition and parliamentary Representative for Nevis Nine, Hon. Mark Brantley, on behalf of the opposition benches, lent his support to the resolution.
“We want to associate ourselves fully with this resolution today and to demonstrate that the government in the person in the honourable mover and Prime Minister has moved and the opposition supports. So that our friends, [the] Republic of China, Thailand, understand that they have full support in this National Assembly from both government and opposition and that we are committed to this relationship and to support in Tawiwan’s participation as the resolution sets out in various international organisations… On that, they have untrammelled and bilateral support of this National Parliament… I think the symbolism of it is important that the honourable Prime Minister has moved and the Leader of the Opposition has seconded.”
In support of the resolution, the parliamentary representative for St. Christopher Three, Hon. Konris Maynard, expressed support by highlighting the partnership between the Federation and the Republic of China (Taiwan) that spans 40 years.
“The Republic of China (Taiwan) has been a dear friend to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. They have been long-standing partners to aid in our mutual benefit and development of our people and our skill set. They continue to be excellent partners in our progression to make our Federation better.”
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in St. Kitts and Nevis welcomed the resolution in a statement saying;
“On behalf of the Government and People of Taiwan, the Embassy expresses our appreciation to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Government and National Assembly for their continued support and recognition of the deep and enduring friendship between our two nations, which is based on shared values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
This resolution comes as tensions mount between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of China (Taiwan) – and its allies.
The strengthening of the relationship between Taiwan and the US had seen Beijing send out multiple verbal warnings in the form of national statements to both countries, especially when former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, visited Taiwan and most recently when Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen visited the US in March 2023 and met with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Geopolitical tensions remain at the forefront as nations considered superpowers worldwide seek allies to gain more influence in global socioeconomic and political decisions.
