PRIME Minister of Saint Lucia Allen Chastanet has congratulated President Tsai Ing-wen, of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), on her re-election as Taiwan’s President. The election was held on 11th January, 2020.
At a pre-cabinet brief on Monday, Chastanet said, “I want to congratulate President Tsai Ing-wen on her resounding victory, not only on a national level for leader, but also because her party did significantly well and better than anticipated. I think that sends a very strong message by the people of Taiwan in terms of clarity on the way forward.”
Chastanet highlighted the significance of Taiwan’s election results in terms of continuing the firm relationship of the Government of Taiwan and the Government and people of Saint Lucia. Chastanet said there were a significant number of Taiwan-related projects which were pending. In addition to the support which Saint Lucia has received from Taiwan, Chastanet said the Government of Saint Lucia has submitted an application to the Government of Taiwan for an additional loan of $50,000,000 for various projects. According to Chastanet, the Government of Saint Lucia is currently awaiting approval for this loan which will not be granted until the new Cabinet of Ministers is formed in Taiwan.
Chastanet took the opportunity to announce that the Government of Saint Lucia had signed an agreement with Digicel for the implementation of an additional 535 CCT cameras between Castries and Gros Islet and in certain locations in Vieux Fort. The Prime Minister said that 95 of these cameras had already been installed along the Castries-Gros Islet Highway.
The Prime Minister said that these cameras will go a long way in assisting authorities in traffic management and in cracking down on criminal activities. In terms of criminal activity, the Prime Minister referenced the “high-powered M4 rifle” which was discovered on board a vehicle last weekend. The Prime Minister noted that the calibre of guns which were being discovered was alarming.
That being said, Chastanet remarked, “I am grateful the security check systems and the heightened and increased traffic checks that we’re doing resounded in that kind of result.” The Installation of more CCT cameras, according to Chastanet, will enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement. The announcement was made hours after Saint Lucia recorded its first homicide for 2020.
