Visit to Taiwan was “stimulating and exciting” says Eddy
Basseterre, St. Kitts (CUOPM) — Information Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Junique Eddy, says his recent visit to the Republic of China (Taiwan) was “very stimulating and enriching.”
Mr. Eddy, the lone participant from an English-speaking nation, was among an International Press Group Media Course visiting Taiwan’s Museums, Cultural and Creative Industries conducted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of International Information Services.
The group visited various museums and cultural industries and met with founders, organizers, officials and spokespersons of the numerous establishments learning about the rich historic background of Taiwan.
The group also met with several high-level officials in the Government of the Republic of China who were elated with meeting nationals whose countries have strong ties with Taiwan.
Participants visited a recycling plant – MINIWIZ Sustainable Energy Development Ltd – whose founder, Mr. Arthur C. Huang, informed that they are a unique group who recycle waste, garbage etc. and use very creative ways to construct a different variety of items.
They visited the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Eslite Bookstore, met with Mr. Chao-Lin Song, Chief Curator of Department of Rare Books and Historical Documents and Jie-jin Chen, associate curator, Department of Painting and Calligraphy, National Palace Museum; the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines and met with Mr. Hai-Ming Huang, Director of the Taipei Fine Arts Museum; Mr. Hwai-min Lin, Founder and artist director of Cloud Gate Dance Foundation and Mr. Shin-bao Lin, Deputy CEO, Taiwan Design Center.
Participants were guests at a luncheon hosted by Mr. Manfred P. T. Peng, Director-General of Department of International Information Services in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also met with Dr. Chu-chia Lin, Deputy Minister, Mainland Affairs Council, Executive Yuan.
Visits were also made to the XUE XUE Institute, the Ministry of Culture, the Confucius Temple, ChihKan Tower, Tainan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple; the FoGuang Shan Buddha Memorial Center and the Tataocheng Area Historical Sites and Cultural Creative Shops.
A meeting with Mrs. Guo-ci Chen, Chairwoman of National Center for Performing Arts and Mrs. Hui-mei Lee, artistic director of National Theatre Concert Hall was also arranged.
The packed itinerary also included a meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials during which a multi-media presentation “Window on Taiwan” was shown.
Mr. Eddy explained that the trip was very stimulating and enriching and has expressed thanks to all involved including Resident Ambassador His Excellency Miguel Tsao and his Staff, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for making the visit a reality.
He stated that it was quite a big difference between cultural practices in Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis, but was however amused by the creativity of the Taiwanese people in marketing their cultural assets.
Mr. Eddy described Taiwan as a beautiful island that has come from far to be where they are in the world.
“I commend the label – a ‘non-stop attitude’ mentioned by a Taiwan government official who said they ‘cannot afford to rest as the country is so into competing fiercely on the global stage’, that they feel that one minute could be the difference in them gaining or losing that elusive edge globally which will thwart their quest for success. I have full admiration and respect for the people of our friends,” he said.
He brought back sincere greetings to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis from several officials who praised the active role of St. Kitts and Nevis in the strengthening of the ties between the two countries as they both strive to compete on the global level.
Mr. Eddy wished to thank the co-ordinators of the course Ms. Vicky Li and Mr. Konrad Hao for their generous hospitality and the well-received service they provided to us throughout that pivotal week of activities.
He ended by endorsing Taiwan as a very productive country which shows positive signs for young aspiring persons. He took the time out to recommend that his fellow counterparts take full advantage of the scholarships that Taiwan offers to persons wishing to further their education.
Mr. Eddy also noted and expressed the compliments to the Kittitians and Nevisians who are currently pursuing their educational advancement through scholarships at the various universities in Taiwan.
Participants came from Canada, South Korea, The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Ireland, Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, Columbia, Mexico and Peru.