Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Independence 40 celebrated by Nationals, Diplomats and Well-wishers in Taiwan

(Taipei, Taiwan, Wednesday 22nd September, 2023): To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Independence of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a reception organized by the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Taiwan was held at the Regent Hotel in Taipei, on September 19, 2023. Welcoming the guests at the door were His Excellency Donya L. Francis, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan, the Embassy staff and nationals living in Taiwan.

Premier of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and President of the Executive Yuan, Chen Chien-jen, attended the reception along with other government officials from Taiwan, including Chen Li-Kuo – Vice Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Republic of China (Taiwan), and four former Ambassadors to Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Ambassador Francis and Premier Chen

Also in attendance were Ambassadors and other members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of trade officers, friends and well-wishers of the Federation.

Ambassador Francis and Premier Chen make a toast to St. Kitts and Nevis 40th Anniversary of Independence and diplomatic relations

During his remarks, Ambassador Francis explained that the theme for this year’s Independence celebration highlights the will of all Kittitians and Nevisians and the government’s vision for a Sustainable Island State.

“The theme for this year’s recognition of our Nationhood, ‘Growing Sustainably, Developing Maturely, Building Resiliency: Independence 40’ encourages us to engage in self-introspection as we learn from our past, excel in the present, and ascertain how we can collectively contribute to the further advancement of our country,” said Ambassador Francis.

Ambassador Francis and Nationals at Taipei International Church

Premier Chen Chein-jen presented remarks on behalf of President Tsai Ing-wen and the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Premier Chen congratulated Saint Kitts and Nevis on the attainment of 40 years of Independence and toasted to the occasion and the enduring friendship between the two countries.

This year, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations and friendship. To commemorate this milestone Premier Chen joined Ambassador Francis to reveal a logo.

Ambassador Francis and Students on National Heroes Day–Paint and Play Fun Day

Ambassador Francis said, “Saint Christopher and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) stand in unity, with Peace, Love and Stability at 40 and we envision 40 and more years together.” 

Six high school students who took part in the Embassy’s English summer camps were also awarded for their winning drawings that depicted the 40 years of friendship.

Ambassador Francis expressed thanks to all the nationals who assisted during the reception. Rolhensha Henry hosted the reception, Jacinth Hunkins played the steel pan to welcome the guests, Howard Liburd gave a beautiful rendition of ‘Proud to be’, Kazrano Gumbs played the nationals anthems of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan on the steel pan, Jermellia Henry performed a dance, Jolander Isaac, Hance Richards, Sheyjona Bass and Tronnicia Flanders assisted at the welcome table.

Ambassador Francis with High School students who won the drawing competitions at the English camps

Over the weekend the Embassy also hosted two other activities to commemorate Independence 40. On National Heroes Day, September 16th, nationals painted the national flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis at a Paint and Play fun day and on September 17th, Ambassador Francis and the nationals worshipped at the Taipei International Church.

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