Taiwan diplomat says investment in health is key to development

Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Miguel Tsao (left) delivers remarks.

Inside one of the two ambulances (Photos by Erasmus Williams)

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, NOVEMBER 23RD 2011 (CUOPM) – Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Miguel Tsao said health is one of the top investments any country can make for the betterment of its citizen and the country on a whole.

Handing over two ambulances to St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, The Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas during a ceremony on Wednesday morning at the Joseph N. France General Hospital said the donation signifies and represents the everlasting close collaboration and enduring friendship between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis.

“It also symbolizes the love from the Taiwanese people to your people here in the Federation, bringing good will and care to all,” said Ambassador Tsao, who commended Prime Minister Douglas for taking the lead in the nation’s health sector. “He is not only a high-level political leader in the region and beyond, but also a prestigious medical doctor, who always brings the health issues to the international forum and as CARICOM’s lead spokesman for health and human resources, Prime Minister Dr. Douglas spares no effort to promote better health for St. Kitts and Nevis, Caribbean region and the world,” said Ambassador Tsao.

He was also high in praise for Health Minister Hon. Marcella Liburd “for her dedication and vision for her Ministry’s progressive move upward.” Ambassador Tsao lauded Minister Liburd for her healthy lifestyle in jogging during the weekend especially on Saturdays – when she is doing jogging ritual on the Kim Collins Highway. “By doing so, the Minister is setting a good personal example for the citizens of the Federation to follow and pay attention to the importance of one’s health.

I am certain that this type of forward-looking approach will bring health and happiness to the lives of your citizens,” said the top Taiwan diplomat, who also noted that the Joseph N. France General Hospital has grown in leaps and bounds throughout the years. He said that the sterling services of all the doctors and nurses have improved and evolved for the better over time and lauded commendation on the management and staff of the medical institution. “I urge each and everyone today who play a role, to join in partnership with the J.N.F. General Hospital to keep the positive works ongoing and provide the public a healthy and safe lifestyle,” said Ambassador Tsao, who presented the keys to the two ambulances to Prime Minister Douglas.