On November 13, 2025, Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, accompanied by a high-level delegation, visited Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) to engage in discussions on Taiwan’s advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart healthcare. The visit, which included Ambassador Edward Tao and H.E. Donya Francis, the Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Taiwan, focused on fostering collaboration in public health, medical technology, and professional training. Dr. Wei-Ming Chen, Director of TVGH, highlighted Taiwan’s dedication to delivering professional and compassionate healthcare, underscoring its role as a key player in health diplomacy. Prime Minister Drew commended Taiwan as a reliable ally and expressed optimism about deepening bilateral cooperation in healthcare and technology to improve the well-being of citizens in both nations.
标签： Saint Kitts and Nevis
圣基茨和尼维斯
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President Lai meets Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew of Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
On November 14, 2025, President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan warmly welcomed Prime Minister Terrance Drew of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, along with his delegation, to Taiwan. The meeting underscored the enduring diplomatic relationship between the two nations, rooted in mutual respect and shared democratic values. President Lai expressed gratitude for St. Kitts and Nevis’s steadfast support for Taiwan’s international participation and its advocacy for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He highlighted significant advancements in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including agriculture, public health, education, energy, and women’s empowerment, emphasizing the shared commitment to global prosperity. President Lai also congratulated Prime Minister Drew on his recent accolade, the 2025 Most Influential People of African Descent Award, and extended best wishes for St. Kitts and Nevis’s upcoming chairmanship of CARICOM in 2026. The establishment of sister-city ties between Basseterre and Taipei-Tainan was celebrated as a milestone in deepening people-to-people connections. Prime Minister Drew, in turn, lauded Taiwan’s contributions to infrastructure, technology, and talent development, noting the educational opportunities provided to hundreds of students from his nation. He reaffirmed unwavering support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the WHO, asserting that Taiwan’s leadership is vital to global progress.
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Taipei City and Basseterre Sign Sister City Agreement to Advance Taiwan–St. Kitts and Nevis Cooperation
In a significant diplomatic move, Taipei City and Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, formalized a Sister City Agreement on November 13, 2025. The ceremony, held in Taipei, was attended by Taipei Mayor Wayne Chiang and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to Taiwan, H.E. Donya Francis. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew and Taipei City Council Speaker Tai Hsi-Chin were also present to witness the historic signing. This agreement marks a pivotal step in enhancing bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis, building on a 42-year friendship. Mayor Chiang emphasized the importance of the partnership, highlighting future collaboration in education, culture, commerce, tourism, and smart city development. Prime Minister Drew echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism for increased exchanges in smart governance, sustainable development, and cultural initiatives. The agreement follows years of active engagement, including Taipei’s donation of 50 YouBikes in 2023 and Basseterre’s participation in the Taipei Lantern Festival. This new relationship is expected to deepen practical cooperation and reinforce the enduring bond between the two nations.
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Premier and Minister of Labour Host Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme Delegates for a Day in Nevis
On November 14, 2025, Nevis Island welcomed a distinguished delegation from the Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (CCSAWP) Annual Review Meeting. Premier the Honourable Mark Brantley and Minister of Labour the Honourable Spencer Brand hosted the delegates, who explored the island’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The visit included a tour of the Nevisian Heritage Village, where delegates were treated to traditional performances by student Masqueraders and drummers, as well as freshly baked stone oven bread. The delegation comprised high-profile figures such as His Excellency Samuel Berridge, High Commissioner for St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, representatives from the Canadian government, Labour Ministers from Jamaica, Grenada, and Dominica, and officials from Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Minister Brand expressed his delight in showcasing Nevisian culture and cuisine, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the longstanding partnership between Canada and the Caribbean. The CCSAWP, a nearly six-decade-old initiative, has been instrumental in providing Caribbean workers with employment opportunities in Canada’s agricultural sector, benefiting both regions. High Commissioner Berridge underscored the programme’s role in fostering mutual benefits, while Steven West of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) praised the invaluable contributions of Caribbean workers to Canadian agriculture and food security. The delegates also visited Hydro Gardens, Bath Hot Springs, and Pinney’s Beach, making their stay a blend of cultural immersion and leisure.
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Diabetes remains a persistent chronic disease in the Federation
The St. Kitts Diabetes Association has raised urgent concerns about the escalating diabetes crisis in the Federation, with over 3,000 individuals currently diagnosed and the numbers expected to rise. Dr. Reginald O’Loughlin, Public Relations Officer of the Association, emphasized the severity of the situation during an interview with SKNVibes News. He highlighted that many patients are diagnosed only after developing severe complications such as kidney failure, amputations, and blindness. Globally, diabetes affects over 600 million people, and projections for 2025 indicate no signs of decline. In St. Kitts and Nevis, new cases are identified weekly, with men often delaying medical attention until the disease has advanced. Dr. O’Loughlin stressed the importance of preventive measures, including healthier diets and regular exercise, to combat the epidemic. Additionally, the Association has observed borderline diabetic symptoms in school-aged children, attributing part of the problem to unhealthy food options sold near schools. Discussions are ongoing about implementing taxes on sugary beverages to curb consumption and fund healthcare initiatives.
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Taiwan Donates Occupational Therapy Equipment to Support Mental Health Recovery in St. Kitts and Nevis
In a significant move to bolster mental health recovery, Taiwan has donated a range of occupational therapy equipment to St. Kitts and Nevis. The donation ceremony, held at JNF Hospital on November 12th, 2025, was attended by Ambassador Edward Lin-Wen Tao and Third Secretary Ms. Ping-Yu Feng. The equipment, including craft materials, baking tools, an oven, washing machine, microwave, exercise bike, and treadmill, was handed over to Mr. Curtis Martin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health. These items are expected to aid psychiatric patients in rebuilding daily living skills and supporting safe indoor rehabilitation at the Day Treatment Center. The initiative is part of the Mental Health System Enhancement Project managed by Ms. Ivy Shih of the TaiwanICDF Technical Mission. The project underscores the importance of not only medical treatment but also restoring independence and dignity in mental health recovery. Dr. Jenson Morton, Director of Health Institutions, highlighted that the upgraded occupational therapy center will offer more diverse therapies benefiting both patients and caregivers. Ambassador Tao expressed pride in Taiwan’s role as a reliable partner in strengthening public health, while Permanent Secretary Martin emphasized that the donation represents an investment in dignity and recovery, reflecting the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
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Ambassador Edward Lin-Wen Tao attended the Remembrance Day Service
On November 9, 2025, Ambassador Edward Lin-Wen Tao of the Republic of China (Taiwan) participated in the Remembrance Day Service held at the Cenotaph in Fortlands, St. Kitts and Nevis. The solemn ceremony, attended by the Governor-General, Acting Prime Minister, diplomatic corps, military and police leaders, and veterans’ representatives, saw Ambassador Tao lay a wreath on behalf of the Taiwanese government and its people. This act underscored Taiwan’s solidarity with the Federation in honoring the sacrifices of soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. Ambassador Tao highlighted Taiwan’s historical role as an ally of Great Britain, the United States, and other Allied nations in combating authoritarian regimes. He emphasized that over 3 million ROC soldiers perished in defense of their nation and the global cause of freedom. Remembrance Day, observed annually in November across Commonwealth nations, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for peace and liberty.
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Taiwan Provides Annual Funding to Support Education Development in St. Kitts and Nevis
In a significant move to bolster educational development in St. Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan has provided its annual funding under the Bilateral Human Resource Development Cooperation Project. The formal handover ceremony took place on November 12, 2025, with Ambassador Edward Lin-Wen Tao and Third Secretary Ms. Kate Wei representing Taiwan. They met with Hon. Konris G. M. Maynard, Minister of Education, and Permanent Secretary Ms. Lisa Pistana to finalize the agreement. Minister Maynard expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its consistent and impactful support. The funding will be utilized to provide scholarships for over a hundred underprivileged students and to reward exceptional teachers across the Federation. Ambassador Tao reiterated Taiwan’s unwavering dedication to fostering educational collaboration, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping the future of St. Kitts and Nevis. He expressed optimism that the beneficiaries will excel in their studies and contribute meaningfully to their nation’s progress.
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New Instructor Ginger Yu Takes the Helm to Continue Mandarin Education in Nevis
The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially welcomed Ginger Yu as the new Mandarin instructor, marking a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between Nevis and Taiwan. This initiative is part of the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) Overseas Mandarin Teaching Project, aimed at promoting Mandarin education globally. During a recent meeting with Honourable Troy Liburd, Minister of Education, Miss Yu outlined her ambitious plans to enhance and expand the Mandarin program across schools in Nevis. Minister Liburd expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the cultural and educational benefits it brings to Nevisian students. He also extended his gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Taiwan ICDF for their unwavering support. The introductory meeting was attended by key education officials, including Permanent Secretary Zahnela Claxton and Principal Assistant Secretary Jamir Claxton, along with representatives from the Taiwanese Embassy. Further discussions with education officers and school leaders are scheduled before the official launch of the Mandarin program for the 2025–2026 academic year. The program builds on the success of previous instructor Chen Chi, under whose guidance Nevisian students have excelled in Mandarin proficiency tests. The Ministry of Education is optimistic that Miss Yu’s leadership will further strengthen the program, offering students more opportunities to achieve fluency in Mandarin and fostering deeper cultural connections.
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Nevis’ Agri-Expo Celebrates 30 Years in 2026 with Grand Showcase of Agriculture, Culture, and Sustainability
Nevis is set to commemorate a significant milestone as the Department of Agriculture prepares to host the 30th Anniversary of its flagship event, Agri-Expo, on March 26th and 27th, 2026. Under the theme “Rooted in History, Utilizing Land & Sea, Agri-Expo 30,” the event will highlight the island’s agricultural advancements, cultural richness, and innovative practices over the past three decades. The celebration will take place at the Elquemedo T. Willett Park in Charlestown, featuring exhibitions by local farmers, fishers, agro-processors, manufacturers, and artisans, showcasing Nevis’ deep connection to both land and sea. Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Eric Evelyn, emphasized the importance of this milestone, inviting everyone to participate in this vibrant celebration of Nevisian heritage and sustainable future. The Department of Agriculture also encourages regional partners and the Nevisian diaspora to join in this proud testament to the island’s agricultural legacy and commitment to sustainability.