Above: St Kitts and Nevis PM Dr Denzil Douglas (UN Photo/Rick Bajornas)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas’ recent speech to the United Nations General Assembly urged the inclusion of Taiwan in United Nations agencies.

Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is not a member of the United Nations, despite a number of applications.

The country does have diplomatic relations with several Caribbean countries, including Haiti and the Dominican Republic, while the majority of the region supports the People’s Republic of China. With diplomatic ties stretching back 30 years, it has long been a major benefactor of St Kitts and Nevis.

“Taiwan is one of the top 18 economies globally,” Douglas told the General assembly. “In addition, Taiwan has worked assiduously to advance the economic interests of countries such as ours.”

He said that Taiwan had adopted a “very pragmatic approach to its meaningful participation in UN specialized agencies and functional organizations,” pointing to Taiwan’s invitation to attend the World Health Organization’s World Health Assembly as an observer.

“Taiwan has a great deal to offer the international community in a vast number of areas,” he said. “Its prolonged exclusion from various United Nations agencies, therefore, serves neither the interests of Taiwan nor those of the global community.”

“In light of this,” he said, “in the interest of greater international understanding and collaboration, my delegation urges the admission of Taiwan to United Nations agencies without undue delay.”

Taiwan has been funding several major projects in the twin-island federation in recent years, including a solar farm at the Robert L Bradshaw International Airport and a number of other green energy projects.