Founder and former executive editor of iWitness News, Kenton X. Chance, on Thursday, presented his letter of credence as the St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) Ambassador to Taiwan.
Chance, a Taiwan-trained media professional, spent over 20 years working as a journalist before his diplomatic appointment, effective March 1.
He presented his letter of credence to the President of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te, at the Presidential Office in Taipei, two days after presenting a copy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-Lung.
In his remarks, Chance conveyed to Lai greetings from His Majesty Charles III, King of SVG, Governor General Sir Stanley John, KC, Prime Minister, Godwin Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, as well as the rest of the Government and people of SVG.
He noted that his return to Taiwan on March 2 as ambassador-designate came six months shy of 20 years after he arrived as a student in 2006 with a five-year scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I left Taiwan six years later, in 2012, with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master of Arts in International Affairs,” Chance said.
Chance, who was a correspondent for the Barbados-based Caribbean Media Corporation from 2004 to the time of his appointment, said that in the 13 years since he left Taiwan as a university graduate, he pursued a career in journalism and mass communication, during which he reported for some of the world’s major news outlets.
“My work as a journalist resulted in your Ministry of Education recognising me, in 2022, as a Distinguished Taiwan Alumnus,” Chance said, adding that as a journalist, he travelled to several countries across the world and in each instance, the education he received in Taiwan served him well.
SVG and Taiwan will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations in August, and Chance noted that he is just as old as Kingstown-Taipei ties.
“Therefore, I consider it a special honour to be representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan at this time.”
Chance recognised the work of Andrea Bowman, Kingstown’s first envoy to Taipei, noting that she was his high school teacher.
“She laid a solid foundation during her tour of duty. I intend to build on that foundation, erecting pillars in support of a broader, expanded relationship,” Chance said.
He continued:
“St. Vincent and the Grenadines values its relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan); our government stands ready to deepen and expand that relationship for the continued benefit of both our peoples and our countries.”
In remarks, Lai said Chance’s appointment “at such a significant moment will allow us to witness new milestones in our relations”.
He expressed hope that Chance’s deep-rooted connection to Taiwan will further deepen the nations’ cooperation in fields such as agriculture, infrastructure, and information and communications technology.
“We continue to cherish this longstanding partnership as we embrace the future together … Going forward, I believe we will build on existing cooperation in smart agriculture and smart medicine and continue to deepen and diversify our collaboration, helping us realise our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity.”
Lai expressed deep gratitude to SVG for actively speaking up for Taiwan over many years at many international venues, including the United Nations General Assembly, World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization.
“Such actions embody the priceless spirit of true friendship and mutual support. Moving ahead, we look forward to St. Vincent and the Grenadines continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation. This will allow Taiwan to use its expertise to make contributions to the international community and work with like-minded nations to enhance global well-being,” P Lai said.
On Tuesday, Chance presented to Minister Lai a painting dubbed “All Ah Dat Is Mas” (“That, Too, Is Mas”) by Vincentian artist Sharleen Branch, who is graduating from a master’s degree programme at National Dong Hwa University in June.
On Thursday, he presented a painting of three horses by Vincentian artist and radio personality Donnie Collins to President Lai.
2026 is the year of the horse in Chinese astrology and in Chinese culture, the horse is a potent symbol of speed, success, vitality, and unyielding spirit.
The paintings were commissioned at Chance’s request, specifically for presentation as gifts during the events.
Chance was among the new heads of missions and consulates that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment, and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, announced in Kingstown on Jan. 22.
Earlier this month, Bramble also announced that Laverne Phillips, who obtained a first degree in international business in Taiwan, where she studied from 2006 to 2011, will be appointed as Kingstown’s deputy consul general in Toronto, Canada.
