His Excellency Kenton X. Chance on Thursday, May 28, presented his Letter of Credence as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (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, two days after presenting a copy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lin Chia-Lung.

In his remarks, Ambassador Chance conveyed to President Lai greetings from His Majesty Charles III, King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Governor General Sir Stanley John, KC, Prime Minister, Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, as well as the rest of the Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

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,” Ambassador Chance said.

The diplomat 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 recognizing me, in 2022, as a Distinguished Taiwan Alumnus,” Ambassador 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.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Taiwan will in August celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relationship, and Ambassador Chance noted that he is just as old as Kingstown-Taipei ties.

“Therefore, I consider it a special honour to be representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan at this time.”

Ambassador Chance recognised the work of H.E. 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,” Ambassador Chance said.

He continued:

“Saint 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, President Lai said that Ambassador Chance’s appointment “at such a significant moment will allow us to witness new milestones in our relations”.

He expressed hope that Ambassador 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.”

President Lai expressed deep gratitude to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Saint 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,” President Lai said.

On Tuesday, May 26, Ambassador 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, May 28, 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 Ambassador Chance’s request, specifically for presentation as gifts during the events.

Ambassador Chance was among the new heads of missions and consulates that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment, and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, announced in Kingstown on January 22.

His Excellency Kenton X. Chance's Taiwan Credential Presentation Speech

SOURCE: Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Republic of China (Taiwan)