The Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines co-organized the Women’s Empowerment Project Showcase in the Court House Yard, on 26 Mar, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Republic of China (Taiwan) Ambassador Fiona Huei-chun Fan, Governor General Dame Susan Dougan, Prime Minister Hon. Ralph Gonsalves and Mrs. Gonsalves, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Saboto Caesar, Minister of Education and National Reconciliation Hon. Curtis King, Minister of the Public Service Frederick Stephenson, Minister of National Mobilisation Hon. Orando Brewster, Minister of Urban Development Hon. Benarva Browne, Parliamentary Secretary Hon. Shackell Bobb, Permanent Secretary Sandy Peters-Phillips, Diplomatic corps, officers from governmental sectors attended the Official Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. More than 50 women-owned enterprises operated their businesses at the event.
Ambassador Fan expressed that the Women Empowerment Project aimed to equip women with desired skills and necessary knowledge, providing 16 vocational training courses for 306 female trainees in the fields of hospitality management, beauty treatment, computer maintenance and other desired expertise. As Ambassador Fan further pointed out, the project offered consulting services to 99 small and medium-sized enterprises; these engaged enterprises in the project created 210 job vacancies, built economic momentum for communities, and earned approximated 1.34 million in revenue. She emphasized that the project offered a vibrant network to local communities and companies, and encouraged them to connect with each other.
As Ambassador Fan added, the ON-SITE Project in 2023 provided internships for 186 unemployed youths in 110 private enterprises, supporting nearly one-third of these interns to step into full-time positions after their internship. Ambassador Fan announced that Taiwan will continue the existing foundation of the ON-SITE project and offer 360 interns to the talented in the coming 2 years.
Minister Brewster expressed his gratitude to Taiwan’s longstanding support, and commended the two countries’ close collaboration in the women empowerment project. He said that the project not only contributed to individuals and enterprises, but also boosted economy at community and national level. Minister Brewster further hoped that Saint Vincent and Grenadines will continue to deepen cooperation with Taiwan.
Minister King stated that education plays a vital role to empower women to elevate their future and their community, the Project provided by Taiwan served as a great example. He emphasized that economic empowerment is a liberation and created opportunity. Minister King convoyed his gratitude to Taiwan government and Taiwanese people.
Prime Minister Gonsalves expressed that women in Saint Vincent and Grenadines were making up more workforce in public sectors and enterprises within two decades. He commended the enduring diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and Grenadines and the close cooperation in scholarship programs. Prime Minister Gonsalves thanked for Taiwan long-term support to Saint Vincent’s national development and committed to strengthen the rock-solid diplomatic relation.
