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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 8^TH, 2018 (PRESS SEC) — All 60 students from St. Kitts and Nevis who are studying in cities across Taiwan, such as Hsinchu, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, Taipei, Taoyuan, as well as the coastal city of Hualien where Tuesday’s powerful 6.4-magnitude earthquake was centred 14 miles northeast of, are safe and well.

In confirming that all of the students who live in and around Hualien – the area most affected by the earthquake – were unharmed, Her Excellency Jasmine Huggins, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Resident Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan),informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Federation that the St. Kitts-Nevis Embassy based in Taipei reached out to all of the students in Taiwan and had been able to speak directly with those in the affected area.

“We inquired about their well-being and safety and impressed upon them that they should follow the instructions of the local government since there are still aftershocks that may have an effect on some of the structures that were compromised,” H.E. Ambassador Jasmine Huggins told the Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister today, Thursday, February 8^th, 2018.

“Our students have also been advised to contact the Embassy if they are in need of assistance.  We are very thankful that our students are safe, but we share the heartbreak of the people of Hualien who have been adversely affected, particularly at a time so close to Chinese New Year, a time for the reunion of family and friends,” H. E. Ambassador Jasmine Huggins said.

Nine people are confirmed dead and eight people are still missing after Tuesday’s earthquake.  Two hundred and seventy people were injured.

“Since I have been assured by the students here that they are safe and well, I would take this opportunity to assure their parents, loved ones and the nation at large of their well-being and ask for our citizens to hold the people of Taiwan in their prayers at this most difficult time,” H.E. Ambassador Huggins added.

In a statement yesterday, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, expressed heartfelt condolences and support for the Republic of China (Taiwan) and its people.  Prime Minister Harris also assured the people of St. Kitts and Nevis of the students’ safety.