Embassy of St. Vincent & the Grenadines Celebrates National Heroes Day in Hualien for 4th Year, Promoting Int'l Friendship & Cultural Exchange

(中央社訊息服務20250325 09:40:12)March 14 marks National Heroes Day in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. To honor this significant occasion, the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan hosted a commemorative event at the Hualien County Government on Saturday, March 15. H.E. Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman joined approximately 60 students from across Taiwan to pay tribute to the nation’s heroes. Deputy Director-General Yeh Chun-Lin of the Hualien Research and Administration Department represented Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei in warmly welcoming Ambassador Bowman and the attendees. Yeh expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ambassador Bowman for the embassy’s swift and generous response following the April 3 earthquake last year, during which the embassy sent immediate condolences, produced a supportive video message, and donated US$50,000 to aid in rebuilding efforts. Yeh emphasized how deeply grateful the people of Hualien are for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ support during a critical time.

Hualien County Government welcomed Ambassador Bowman, Counsellor Ms. Shebby-Ann Dennie, Vincentian students in Taiwan, and all participants, recognizing the embassy’s consistent choice of Hualien as the location for celebrating National Heroes Day. This annual event symbolizes the deep friendship between Hualien and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, serving as an essential platform for cultural exchange. Deputy Director-General Yeh, on behalf of Mayor Hsu, presented Ambassador Bowman and guests with local specialties including organic tea from Yuli, chrysanthemum products, and black-tea-flavored rice snacks. The attendees also took commemorative photos to celebrate this international friendship and Hualien’s continued support for allied nations.

In her speech, Ambassador Bowman highlighted that National Heroes Day is not only an occasion to remember national heroes but also to honor the traditions of the indigenous Garifuna people. This day commemorates Chief H.E. Joseph Chatoyer and all who bravely fought and sacrificed for freedom and justice, thereby establishing the foundations for sovereignty, independence, and liberty in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The Ambassador underscored the importance of historical awareness and respect for the values and sacrifices of ancestors, thanking the Hualien County Government sincerely for their assistance in making the event possible.

Through events such as National Heroes Day, the Hualien County Government successfully promotes international goodwill, strengthening cultural ties and mutual respect between Hualien, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the broader global community.