Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – December 2, 2025 – The landmark Women’s Employment, Entrepreneurship & Financial Inclusion (WEEFI) Project, a five-year bilateral initiative between Taiwan and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in advancing gender equality and economic resilience. The project’s closing ceremony, held on November 29, was attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, celebrating a partnership that has profoundly impacted local communities.
Ambassador Edward Tao of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Kitts and Nevis presided over the event, highlighting the project’s role in expanding economic opportunities for women, strengthening youth capabilities, and enhancing institutional frameworks to build a more inclusive society. The initiative was launched in 2021 to address the severe economic dislocations faced by women in the Federation following the global pandemic, which resulted in widespread income loss and increased domestic burdens.
Project Manager Mr. Jo Chan of the Taiwan Technical Mission presented a comprehensive report on the initiative’s outcomes. Key achievements include the successful administration of the nation’s inaugural National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) assessment, a groundbreaking development for technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Furthermore, the certification of local instructors with CVQ Level 4 credentials has substantially elevated the quality of pedagogical capacity across both islands.
The project also drove substantial progress in women’s entrepreneurship, facilitating advanced skills training, product development, and enhanced market accessibility. Its scope was strategically expanded to include youth and vulnerable demographics, underscoring a core commitment to broad-based empowerment.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Eric Evelyn, Deputy Premier of Nevis Island Administration; Hon. Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Health, Gender Affairs, and Social Empowerment; and Hon. Spencer Brand, Minister of Labour. The Embassy extended its gratitude to numerous partner institutions, including the Ministry of Social Development & Gender Affairs, TVET, the Centre for Workforce Innovation and Technology (CWIT), the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC), and the Skills Entrepreneurship Development Unit (SEDU).
A poignant feature of the event was the distribution of tokens handmade by women beneficiaries, symbolizing their acquired skills and renewed economic confidence. A commemorative video featured congratulatory remarks from Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, alongside reflections from officials and partners on the project’s transformative impact.
In closing, the Embassy expressed profound appreciation to all trainees, instructors, government officers, and partner organizations, reaffirming Taiwan’s enduring commitment to fostering sustainable development and an inclusive future in collaboration with Saint Kitts and Nevis.