PM Douglas (L) With Ambassador Wu
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
July 24, 2008 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has welcomed the commitment of the Republic of China on Taiwan, to assist the twin-island Federation in the establishment and development of a commercial agricultural zone.
“We want to thank you for your commitment to the establishment of the agricultural zone. We would be able to have the basic infrastructure of irrigation, seedlings, seeds, fertilizers and the government providing the land and identifying our young people who are serious about doing commercial farming and giving them the opportunity to become small professional farmers and to impact in a very positive way the high prices of food that we are experiencing today,” said Prime Minister Douglas in response to the disclosure by the Ambassador of the Republic of China on Taiwan, His Excellency, Rong-chuan Wu that his Asian nation will assist in the development of the agricultural zone.
Ambassador Wu, speaking at a brief ceremony to hand over cheques totalling nearly US$400,000 for two sporting projects said that since taking up office two months ago, he has been urged by Prime Minister Douglas to assist in the development of the agricultural zone in an effort to deal with the soaring price of food.
“Prime Minister Douglas has said it must be a commercial farm in the agricultural zone with access to water and young potential farmers,” said Ambassador Wu, who added that the Taiwanese Agricultural Mission will provide the basic infrastructure including irrigation and other assistance.
“We will get it ready and then invite young farmers to participate in the agricultural zone development,” said Ambassador Wu, who said the 10-acre farm will be a pilot project.