Saint Lucia Welcomes Taiwanese Ambassador

Saint Lucia this week welcomed a new ambassador from Taiwan. Her Excellency Nicole Y.C. Su is the first female to serve in this role, succeeding her predecessor, Ambassador Peter Chia-Yen Chen, whose tenure ended last December.

Ambassador Su, who recently assumed office at the Taiwan Embassy in Saint Lucia, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Externa Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs, Alva Baptiste.

The two exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed the commitment to working hand in hand for the mutual benefit of its two peoples, according to a communique from the Taiwanese Embassy.

On Wednesday, the ambassador paid a courtesy call on Minister for the Public Service, Labour and Gender Affairs, Dr Virginia Albert-Poyotte.

The minister briefed Ambassador Su on her ministerial portfolio and expressed gratitude for the extensive support provided by the Government of Taiwan, particularly in the areas of gender and ICT.

Albert-Poyotte also extended an invitation to the Taiwanese diplomat to visit communities to witness firsthand the transformative impact of Taiwan’s support.

“I am pleased that my government’s collaboration with you touches all levels of the country. Your ministry serves as a critical nexus connecting people to people. I am particularly proud of the ICT projects, which have been very fruitful, and I am excited about the upcoming opening of two centers, with another on the way. Together, we can continue to strengthen and develop gender equality, women’s empowerment, labour, and other areas,” Ambassador Su said.

Ambassador Su brings extensive diplomatic experience from postings in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Geneva, the Netherlands, and Europe.

Saint Lucia first entered into diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 1984 with the United Workers Party’s (UWP) Sir John Compton as Prime Minister. Compton’s successor and then leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) Kenny Anthony switched to China in 1997. However, diplomatic relations with Taiwan were restored in 2007 under the UWP. It has remained so to this date under both UWP and SLP administrations.

Photo caption: Ambassador Nicole Y.C. Su with External Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste.