THE GRANT WILL BE ALLOCATED TO CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND THE NATIONAL DISABILITY POLICY.
The Government of Saint Lucia has received a $3.7 million grant from Taiwan to fund various projects.
The money will be allocated to four projects: the Constituency Development Program will receive an injection of $2.9 million; $825,000 is earmarked for the refurbishment of Human Resource Centres islandwide; $30,000 will assist with the formulation of a National Disability Policy; and $53,000 will fund the fireworks display and other celebrations for the island’s 45th Independence anniversary.
In a brief handover ceremony on Monday January 22, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) His Excellency Peter Chen spoke on his country’s continued collaboration with the Government and people of Saint Lucia. He said having visited many HRD centres, he understands the value of these centres to the communities.
“Last year I had the privilege of accompanying many parliamentary representatives along with officials from the Ministry of Economic Development on a visit to numerous CDP sites. I witnessed first-hand the positive impact to the people’s daily lives and I eagerly anticipate the ongoing results of the CDP and social initiatives to the individual communities and constituencies,” he said.
Prime Minister Phillip Pierre thanked the Taiwanese Ambassador. He said it is his hope that these centres be used for learning and not merely for entertainment. He added that funds for the Constituency Development Council will benefit all seventeen constituencies.
“The CDP Programs will reach all constituencies. The government has ensured that all 17 constituencies get a grant from the CDP—Including those represented by the opposition. I want to say when we were in Opposition we were never offered the privileged to share from what Government of Taiwan did. But as our Independent theme says we are inclusive. We do not believe that a constituency should suffer because they did not vote for a particular party. So we will ensure that in this disbursement of funds the constituencies that did not vote for us, our philosophy is that they are Saint Lucians, and they have to benefit from the grant of the Taiwanese Government.”
In addition to funding the fireworks display for the 45th Independence anniversary celebrations, Taiwan will also be donating 250 hand waving flags, and eighty large flags.
The Accountant General Mr. Mathew Branford received the cheques on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia.