BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 9th October 2020)- Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a clean-up event at Timothy Beach instead of the usual cocktail reception has taken place in celebration of the 109th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) observed here in St.Kitts-Nevis.
On Saturday 3rd October, the beach outdoorsy event was held, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sustainable Destination Council and the Department of Environment.
A ceremony was held afterwards at Ocean’s Beach Bar located on the Frigate Bay Strip.
Taiwan resident Ambassador Tom Lee highlighted the reasoning behind the change saying: “In early September, our embassy in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the government of St.Kitts and Nevis decided not to host some of the Independence celebration events so our embassy then decided to host this beach cleaning up event to celebrate our National Day so this my first time to wear a t-shirt to celebrate our National Day, and I believe it is your first time too so are very glad to celebrate our national day in this special way.”
He described the event as being “very special and meaningful because on one hand St.Kitts and Nevis is rescheduled to reopen its borders on October 31st so when tourists when they come they want to enjoy the big beach and lie down and enjoy the sunshine too so we are very glad that we can provide some matters on health in this regard.”
Ambassador Lee also addressed the government’s “high priority to protect the environment so we are also very pleased. We can use this occasion to echo the importance of the issue and that’s also why we decide to design our t-shirt this way because we need to work together to protect our environment. We have only one earth. You can see that one the left side St.Kitts and Nevis and on the other is Taiwan, and we work together to make happy the earth.”
T-shirts work by participants included a globe with Taiwan and St.Kitts-Nevis holding hands featuring the words ‘St.Kitts-Nevis & Taiwan Forever Friends’; a design Ambassador Lee says is original.
Ambassador Lee said St.Kitts and Nevis is Taiwan’s strong ally.
He said further: “… and just a week ago… Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy delivered a very strong speech at the United Nations general debate highlighting the importance of Taiwan’s international participation so on behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of St.Kitts and Nevis for the strong support. Please be rest assured that Taiwan will continue to work with St.Kitts and Nevis to further strengthen our [cooperation] so that our people on both sides can benefit from our relations. In concluding my remark, I wish the Republic of China (Taiwan) continued success and prosperity and long live the friendship of St.Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan.”
Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris remarked “COVID-19, a focus again to realign ourselves with nature.COVID-19 has taught us what we should do and how we should do it.”
He went on to talk about the importance of the environment, keeping safe against the virus and also applauded the Taiwan embassy for its “good idea” this time around in response to COVID-19.
“COVID-19 for all of its challenges has reminded us that the fresh air, the lovely beaches, and all natural habitats are critically important for our health. In the region then we can say, we are faced with the challenge of COVID-19; it will be with us for a long while and so we come today in our masks, and all other things which we will have to continue to practice to achieve perfection…because it is one of the critical tools to fight COVID-19 which has shown that it is nor a respecter of person or region or anyone and it is left to us individually to make that adjustment.
“So I’m happy that COVID-19 has forced a recalibration of everything, from the way in which we do elections to the way we celebrate independence, and the good idea that has come from the Embassy of Taiwan….that this year they would want to focus on the environment,” he added.
Dr. Harris praised the “long and special relationship” with the Taiwan Embassy and by extension the government and people of Taiwan, dating way back to 1983.
Other officials giving congratulatory remarks were Premier Mark Brantley; Minister of Environment Eric Evelyn and also Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Carlene Henry-Morton.
Following the ceremony, when asked by this media house about Taiwan’s plans for the actual date of celebration (10th October), Ambassador Lee commented: “Actually because of COVID-19, our government is also downsizing the celebration because of COVID-19 we need to keep social distancing that is why we don’t want to have a big gathering. I know our government, next week, is going to do a smaller scale celebration.”