Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.
The government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made available approximately half a million dollars to victims of the Christmas Eve trough through a humanitarian assistance grant.
Taiwan’s Ambassador to St. Lucia James Chang presented Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony with a check of over EC$534, 000 (US$200,000) at a short handing-over ceremony on January 6, 2014.
Dr. Anthony extended words of gratitude towards the government of Taiwan and assured that all will be done to get the aid to the ones who deserve it. He added that the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the local Red Cross will help in this endeavour.
The prime minister, while reiterating his appreciation for the grant, highlighted that St. Lucia is currently facing an “exceedingly difficult” fiscal situation and “every donation matters.”
“There is no question that there is need for humanitarian assistance. Hundreds of St. Lucians have lost all of their household appliances, lost their clothing… Children have lost school books, and of course, some have suffered damage to their homes. In the vast majority of cases that we’re talking about [are] very poor people. And so it is with special gratitude that the support is received,” he said.
Dr. Anthony said he hopes that Taiwan will be satisfied with the manner in which the funds are distributed and delivered.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Chang, on behalf of his people and government expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the trough. He stated pleasure in knowing that there has been substantial restoration of much of the downed essential services, such as electricity, water and telecommunication.
Chang took the opportunity to recognize the “outstanding work by the people and the agencies involved in the recovery.” He hopes that this humanitarian aid will help to their recovery efforts.