St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Godwin Friday commended the government and people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their 115th National Day, pledging that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to advocate for Taiwan on the world stage and deepen bilateral cooperation.
Addressing dignitaries at the Double 10 celebration, Prime Minister Friday reflected on his official state visit to Taiwan in August—accompanied by his wife Mrs. Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fitzgerald Bramble, and a national delegation—where they were received as family by President Lai.
Describing his August tour, Friday highlighted visits to cultural and technological landmarks across Taiwan:
Kaohsiung’s Pier 2 Art Center: The Prime Minister praised the creative revitalization of former industrial spaces into vibrant art hubs, noting the discipline and craftsmanship of local artisans.
Taipei 101: Visiting one of Asia’s most iconic skyscrapers showcased the engineering skill and ingenuity defining modern Taiwan.
“When I think of Taiwan, I think not only of statistics or impressive buildings; I think of the people,” Prime Minister Friday remarked, stressing that Taiwan’s national model demonstrates how strategic investment in human capital delivers extraordinary development.
Prime Minister Friday praised Taiwan’s heavy investment in education and advanced technology, emphasizing that St. Vincent and the Grenadines intends to follow this blueprint:
Human Capital: Recognizing citizens as a nation’s most valuable resource forms the foundation of sustainable economic development.
Disciplined Planning: Taiwan’s global leadership in technology shows that small nations can achieve extraordinary economic goals through discipline, hard work, and clear foresight.
Friday reaffirmed St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ strong diplomatic stance, referencing his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September. During his maiden UN speech, the Prime Minister formally called for Taiwan’s full inclusion and participation within UN organs and specialized international agencies.
He noted that diplomatic relations established in 1981 have flourished over 45 years, benefiting SVG across agriculture, education, and public infrastructure. Beyond formal agreements, Friday emphasized the human connections created by 357 Vincensian scholarship students living and studying in Taiwan, calling those personal relationships “bonds of family”.
Friday expressed sincere appreciation to Ambassador Fiona Fan and the Taiwanese government for their rapid response following recent heavy rainfall and severe flooding across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which prompted Taiwan to deliver US $100,000 in immediate disaster relief aid.
“True partnership is measured not only by how we celebrate success, but by how we stand together when challenges arise,” Friday stated, thanking Taiwan for its tangible solidarity during times of disaster.
Prime Minister Friday extended congratulations to President Lai and the Taiwanese public, offering a warm toast to 45 years of enduring friendship: “Go forward with confidence that everything still is ahead. We will hold your hand as you do so”.
