President Ma Ying-jeou spent a second day in the Caribbean state of St. Christopher and Nevis on August 19 in a continuation of his trip to allies in South America and the Caribbean codenamed Project Congratulations and Friendship.
Early in the morning, President Ma and his delegation arrived at the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium, where he was accompanied by St. Christopher and Nevis Minister of Health, Social Service, Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs Marcella Liburd, and Minister of Sports Glenn Phillip to go jogging with some of that nation's best young runners.
After finishing a run of 2,000 meters, the president made remarks in which he acknowledged that St. Christopher and Nevis had originally hoped to hold the 2008 CARIFTA Games, but lacked the needed facilities, so the ROC provided assistance for construction of the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium, which the ROC donated to that country. With the opening of the facility, St. Christopher and Nevis no longer needs to send its athletes to Jamaica or other nations for training. In fact, he said, the team representing Canada even came to use the stadium, an indication of its high quality. In addition, the president noted, St. Christopher and Nevis has a number of outstanding athletes, and the facility includes a special seating area called the Kim Collins Pavilion, which is named after one of the nation's most internationally renowned athletes.
President Ma stated that the color of the Kaohsiung National Stadium in southern Taiwan, where the World Games were held in 2009, is quite similar to that of the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium. He pointed out that the same construction company was contracted to build both facilities, adding that the Silver Jubilee Athletic Stadium represents the hope that the two countries will enjoy longstanding friendship and continued vitality.
After visiting the stadium, the president and his entourage made their way to a solar power station near Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (IATA code: SKB) to inspect progress in construction of the power plant. President Ma received a briefing from Speedtech Energy Co. Ltd. General Manager Lucas Chiu (巨克堅). Taiwan's Speedtech is the contractor building the facility, and Chiu pointed out that the power plant is due to be completed next month. At that time, St. Christopher and Nevis will become the first nation in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States to establish a solar power station at an airport.
The president stated that plans call for the facility to have 3,000 solar panels, each with roughly a 250 Watt-peak (Wp) rating. Upon commencement of use, it will become a pioneer in the use of solar power in that country, he said. In addition, the president noted, on the slope beside the airport's runway are 432 photovoltaic modules that spell the message "Welcome to SKB." In the future, passengers taking planes in or out of the airport or who are on cruise liners making stops in St. Christopher and Nevis will be able to see the welcoming sign at a height or from a distance, he stated.
President Ma also mentioned that the previous day at a luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Denzil L. Douglas, he had the opportunity to exchange opinions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Asim Martin. During their conversation, the president learned of the desire of St. Christopher and Nevis to increase their use of renewable energy in order to address its lack of other energy sources. President Ma explained that this happens to be the same situation and energy development policy of the ROC.
The president noted that St. Christopher and Nevis is currently in its rainy season. Given its location in the tropics, however, the islands only experience intermittent squalls, he said. The islands still receive on average four hours of sunshine daily, which is enough to generate ample solar energy. This abundant sunshine would also make generation efficiency in St. Christopher and Nevis higher than in other countries, he stated. The president compared this situation with Taiwan, which has a highly developed solar power industry but experiences a long rainy season that significantly reduces output.
Lastly, President Ma mentioned that four years ago when he attended a reception held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei to mark the Lunar New Year, he stated that the ROC would no longer engage in cutthroat competition on the diplomatic front with mainland China. At the same time, Taiwan sought to further create business opportunities. Consequently, Speedtech Energy has worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on cooperation projects in Burkina Faso and allies in Central America, and outstanding results have been seen, he said. President Ma commented that Speedtech Energy won the bidding to build this solar power plant in St. Christopher and Nevis at a price less than half what other foreign companies bid. The president said this shows that Taiwanese companies not only offer well-made products and outstanding services, but are also very price competitive.
After completing his tour of the power station, President Ma headed to the government building to meet with Prime Minister Douglas. The two leaders held brief discussions and exchanged opinions, and then made their way to the congressional chamber in the building to sign a joint communiqué.
In remarks, the president stated that the ROC and St. Christopher and Nevis have had an alliance that dates back 30 years. He recalled the friendly and cooperative relationship, as well as the strong alliance between the two countries, saying that it is now time to celebrate the three decades of strong ties. He pointed out that St. Christopher and Nevis became independent in 1983 and the ROC was the first nation with which it established diplomatic relations. The president said that he senses the important meaning of this visit to the nation's lawmaking chamber.
President Ma again expressed his deepest appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the ROC for the efforts of St. Christopher and Nevis to speak on behalf of the ROC in many international venues, supporting meaningful participation for the ROC in the international community and organizations. In addition, as the two countries are now celebrating 30 years of diplomatic ties, the president expressed his desire to see a continuation of the work being done to create another wonderful 30 years.
In concluding his remarks, President Ma highlighted the significance of the signing of the joint communiqué between the two countries. In the communiqué, both nations reiterated their support for and commitment to each other's national development and participation in the international arena. The two sides further agreed to work hand in hand to enhance the mutual wellbeing of the people of the two countries and create a bright future, he said.
At the noon hour, President Ma hosted a luncheon for the staff and families at the ROC embassy, the members of his delegation, and the crew of the China Airlines chartered plane that has transported him and his entourage. This luncheon, he said, marks a perfect end to this trip.
In remarks, the president stated that his experiences during this trip have afforded him a clear sense for the considerable success of the policies of "viable diplomacy" policy and "above-board diplomacy" that he has pursued over the past five years. President Ma said that Taiwan and mainland China no longer engage in a contentious struggle in the diplomatic arena, and in fact are developing new business opportunities, friendship, and opportunities for cooperation in other areas. The president recognized the outstanding work of the ROC's diplomatic personnel in this regard. He said that diplomacy is necessary to a nation's survival and development, adding that the ROC relies on exports for 70% of its GDP growth. The president cited the example of the solar power industry, where the ROC's diplomats have helped to develop business opportunities. The corporate sector in turn has pioneered in diplomatic initiatives, he said, adding that such cooperation between the public and private sectors can yield outstanding results.
After the luncheon, President Ma and his delegation returned to the international airport. The president's plane took off at 4:00 p.m., concluding his two-day visit to St. Christopher and Nevis.