At the declaration of the birth of the visionary SVG Green Party in January 2005, the Leader of SVG Green Party, Ivan O’Neal, said Taiwan’s presence in SVG is a major obstacle to sustainable development. SVG Green Party said that we must cut ties with Taiwan and open ties with China. SVG Green Party strongly supports the one China policy.

In March 2008, there was a change of government in Taiwan and this new government adopted a positive approach to China. Fewer than 30 countries still have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan and this number is believed to decrease. Only in January 2008, Malawi cut ties with Taiwan in favour of China.

Vincentians have been the victims in this relationship with Taiwan. Rather than aided our country, Taiwan has raided our country; rather than build our nation, Taiwan has divided our nation; and rather than promote growth, Taiwan has perpetuated poverty.  Now is the time for Taiwan to go so that we can begin to revitalise our country. For almost 25 years Taiwan has been in SVG forming a cosy ‘family’ with NDP and ULP governments. But what have we, the people, got to show for it?

SVG is at one of its lowest points in our history. There is little opportunity for people to gain prosperity and crime is out of control. Rape and gun crime are frequent and the economy and business are suffering under VAT.

Taiwan uses chequebook diplomacy to establish political friendships, especially in the South Pacific, Caribbean and parts of Africa. In SVG however, Taiwan’s diplomacy has mainly existed so Taiwan can cream-off millions of dollars from SVG’s tuna fishing rights. Taiwan has shown nothing but disrespect to our people and even today continues to suppress the possibilities of long-term prosperity for all. Clearly, Taiwan does not empathise with our people, especially the poor and the unemployed.

China offers hope and China shows respect. China also brings technical and infrastructural development. Simply put, China offers opportunities for jobs and long-term financial security for all. But this must be accompanied by an SVG Green Party government otherwise prosperity is not guaranteed. The ULP regime has shown that it lacks economic intelligence. Over the past 7 years the ULP regime has only dragged our economy down.

Taiwan is failing and so is the ULP regime. Meanwhile, China is boosting its political and economic influence throughout the world and SVG Green Party continues to show its economic intelligence. Our country’s future is at stake and everyday Taiwan and ULP regime preside it gets worse. An escalation in food prices is the latest sign that both Taiwan and the ULP regime do not benefit our people.

SVG Green Party realises that our people want an effective government that delivers value. This means both Taiwan and the ULP regime must go. The next general election is a time of opportunity for all Vincentians. Many of our fundamental systems were created for a world of yesterday, not tomorrow. An SVG Green Party government will transform these systems so that all citizens are equipped, prepared – and thus truly free – to make your own choices and pursue your own dreams.