Taiwan envoy has big shoes to fill

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Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, has welcomed the new ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint Lucia.

His Excellency Ray Mou took up residence in Saint Lucia on October 1, 2015. Mou’s forerunner, His Excellency James Chang, has now been posted to Malaysia after serving in Saint Lucia for three and a half years.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony (right) with Ambassador H.E. Ray Mou.
Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony (right) with Ambassador H.E. Ray Mou.

Prime Minister Anthony formally received the new ambassador at the Office of the Prime Minister on October 3, 2015, ahead of a cheque presentation ceremony for the Constituency Development Programme.

Dr. Anthony welcomed Ambassador Mou, noting that he has very big shoes to fill.

Said the Prime Minister:

“Your Excellency, we are pleased to welcome you to the Helen of the West, ‘simply beautiful Saint Lucia.’ We welcome you to our island home with open hearts and minds. We invite you to discover our island, its uniqueness, its delights, sheer beauty, and magnificent scenery. In time, I know you will discover who we are: a unique people, with a fascinating history, heritage and culture.

“I am also pleased that you have wasted no moment in taking up right where your predecessor, former Ambassador Chang, left. Ambassador Chang earned our respect, admiration and affection. He handled our affairs with honour, dignity and character. So, you do have very big shoes to fill! Your presence here today at this cheque presentation is a welcome start to your duties, on this, your second day at work in Saint Lucia.”

Among the initiatives discussed between Dr. Anthony and Ambassador Mou were the Constituency Development Programme, plans for the new National Cultural Centre complex, and Saint Lucia’s imminent appointment of an ambassador to Taiwan.

Ambassador Mou previously worked in the Taiwan Trade & Cultural Office in Miami.