Ms. Queeley, who arrived in Taiwan on Friday, (12th August, 2011), is among young persons from a number of friendly countries of Taiwan, who have been invited to participate in the Asian country’s Centennial Celebrations.
The visit is in line with the slogan chosen for the celebrations- “Show Taiwan to the World”. According to a release from the Ministry of Culture, Ms. Queeley along with many other youths from across the globe are participating in an International Youth Week Centennial Home-stay Programme, where they are being hosted by local Taiwanese families and given the opportunity to explore Taiwan’s historical sites, delicacies, natural sceneries and culture.
The Ministry release also quotes Ms. Queeley as stating that she believes the exposure to the different culture and art forms in Taiwan will be beneficial in helping her to achieve her future goal of opening a performing arts theatre in St. Kitts and Nevis. In her words, “One’s creativity can be enhanced from experiencing the diversity that the world has to offer”.
Eager to learn, Iantavian is also eager to share the St. Kitts & Nevis culture with others and is looking forward to the banquet during which she will have a chance to display the national dress of her country.
Recently, Ms. Queeley captured the attention of the entire Caribbean when she won two prestigious queen titles in the same month, (July); securing first the Miss Carival Caribbean Queen title in St. Vincent and three weeks after the Miss Jaycees Caribbean title, in Antigua, winning all segments of that pageant.
All expenses related to the visit have been covered by the Taiwanese government and Ms. Queeley is due to return to St. Kitts on 26th August. She left St. Kitts on 10th August, then travelled on to Taiwan after a short stay-over in the United States.
Since establishing diplomatic ties with St. Kitts and Nevis in 1983, (the first country to do so), Taiwan has been using various events, activities and cultural exchanges, to create even stronger relations with the government and people of the federation.
The Minister of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs, Marcella Liburd has applauded the efforts of the Taiwanese and extended congratulations on the occasion of their special celebration