June 17 Basseterre St. itts :The top Republic of Taiwanese diplomat here is leaving the Federation. A formal yet personal ceremony was held at the Republic of China Embassy as government officials from St. Kitts and Nevis and Valmiki Kempadoo bade a solemn farewell to Taiwanese Ambassador Her Excellency Marietta Liau.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Richard Skerritt reflected on the relationship between the two countries and mentioned the unprecedented move, which saw the ROC Embassy becoming a member of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

“I think that established right there and then that this was (more than) a government to government relationship,” he said. “The private sector wanted to strengthen relations and I believe that the relationship has spread throughout the community in every respect.”

That community involvement saw the donation of computers to schools, the construction of community centers and the awarding of scholarships among others.

The minister responsible for tourism, sports and culture spotlighted the redevelopment project to transform Warner Park into a world-class arena and stressed the importance of the contributions of the Asian nation.

“Your involvement in community and cultural affairs and sporting and tourism related affairs as a country (R.O.C.), and in your own role as an Ambassador will always be cherished, will always be fondly remembered and for that we will always be grateful.”

The Federation’s Ambassador to the R.O.C. His Excellency Errol Maynard wished his counterpart the best of luck as she prepares to assume duties in Dublin, Ireland.

“We ask you to take back the love and the respect and the very fondest regards of our Governor General, Prime Minister and people of our country to His Excellency President Chen Shui-bian and to all of the wonderful people of Taiwan.”

“Our relations are so close and I’m sure in the future we’ll be growing even closer,” she said. “From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank your government and your people for your support and friendship.

“There are a lot of things to say. This moment is very touching and sometimes it is hard to express my real feelings at this moment … but they are from the bottom of my heart,” an emotional Ambassador Liau stressed.

Another term for an ROC Ambassador ends, but the posting of His Excellency Mr. John Liu brings with it great promise as St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China continue to strengthen relations.