MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Taiwan grant to Santa Lucia for development and fisheries

PM Anthony said he was thankful for the funding that given the tough economic situation facing St. Lucia.

Taiwan is providing an estimated 3.5 million dollars grant to St. Lucia in the Caribbean to fund three projects identified by the PM Kenny Anthony administration.

 A Santa Lucia government statement said the monies would be used for the Constituency Development Program (CDP), for the St. Judes Hospital Reconstruction project and to upgrade the island’s fishing industry.

”It is my firm belief that through our joint effort and cooperation program, the existing close relations between St .Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan) will be further strengthened and continue to bring benefits to our two peoples,“ said Taiwanese Ambassador James Chang.

Prime Minister Anthony said given the tough economic situation facing St. Lucia he was thankful for the funding.

”I hope that these grant funds are seen as good news for our country especially at this time. Our friends matter at all times but they are even more precious in these stern and challenging times. With their help we continue to begin planning for reconstruction and rebuilding a stronger, more prosperous, more resilient nation, “he said.

Anthony said the funds allocated to the CDP during the 2013/2014 financial year had now been fully received and assured the Taiwanese diplomat that 17 constituencies had benefited from the program.

“By the end of March 2014 the program should also be in a position to provide a comprehensive annual report of all works done and the overall impact in terms of employment generation,” he said.

Earlier this year, Ambassador Chang presented a 200,000 dollars check towards the rehabilitation of the island following the passage of a low level trough that killed six people and left millions of dollars in damage.