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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 05, 2019 (SKNIS): Since its inception, one of the main goals of the St. Kitts Eco-park, also known as the Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm Co-Op, was to promote tourism and agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis, says Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Tom Lee, adding that the goal has largely been achieved.

The Eco-park, which was a joint effort between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, was started in 2011. It was implemented by the Taiwan Technical Mission.

“There is no doubt this project has reached its original goals,” said the ambassador, speaking at the ceremony to hand over the park to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, January 24, 2019. “I am also very happy to see more and more people use this park for their wedding ceremonies, for their birthday parties and for other occasions.”

His Excellency mentioned that the park boasts a number of unique features.  

“Many of you may not know, this park produces one of the best dragon fruits in this country,” he said. “It also has two interesting mazes for tourists to explore. One is in the shape of Taiwan and the other is in the shape of St. Kitts.”

The ambassador said that every project has an end cycle, adding that Taiwan’s technical mission had taken care of the project for the past eight years. 

“After eight years, of course it’s difficult for us to say goodbye, but as I always put it, Taiwan is a strong ally of St. Kitts and Nevis,” he said. “So we intend to teach you how to fish instead of giving you fish. Even though it is difficult, we know that we have taught you all the skills you need. So it is time for you to stand on your own.”

His Excellency Tom Lee stated that he was pleased on behalf of the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to formally hand over the Eco-park to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. He added that he is confident that the park will be well taken care of and will continue to be a tourist attraction and an agriculture stronghold in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The ambassador noted that the Republic of China (Taiwan) will continue to provide technical assistance in the pursuit of national development.  

“Please rest assured that our government will continue to play an important role in your national development, and our embassy and also our technical mission will continue to work hard to make sure more and more people in this country can benefit from our co-operation projects,” said His Excellency Tom Lee.