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Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 16, 2019 (SKNIS): The robust contributions to human capacity development by the Republic of China (Taiwan) have resulted in scores of nationals from St. Kitts and Nevis earning college degrees from various universities via scholarship.

On Monday, July 15, 2019, several of these graduates were able to personally thank Taiwan’s President Her Excellency Dr. Tsai Ing-wen for maintaining close relations with their homeland and continuing the scholarship programme that started back in 2004.

The opportunity came during a State Banquet and reception at Government House that were held to commemorate the July 13 to 16 State Visit of Dr. Tsai to St. Kitts and Nevis. Past scholarship recipients were invited to the reception.

Rohanda Devent successfully completed four years of studies in International Trade and Management, gaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2014. She said the relationship between the two countries has “deep roots” and “President Tsai’s visit represents deepening the connection between the two islands.”

“I consider Taiwan my second home, It moulded me into the woman I am today,” she stated, noting that she has spent most of her adult years in the ROC. “I believe that I am more professional, I’m better rounded, more experienced and just a generally more developed person because of the experience.”

Ms. Devent added that President Tsai: “is setting examples for our Federation as a female president” and she was thrilled to meet the visiting leader.

Donya Francis, spent six years (2012 to 2018) in Taiwan and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication as well as a Master’s Degree in Global Health and Development. He said that his time in Taiwan was very interesting and he was grateful for the experiences that resulted in him learning a new language, experiencing a different culture and earning two degrees.

Mr. Francis expressed pleasure after meeting President Tsai, something that was unthinkable during his time in Taiwan. “I felt honoured because I got to shake her hand and I think that it is good that she has come to St. Kitts and Nevis to visit so that she can see our lovely islands,” he said.