Taiwan’s Resident Ambassador to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Miguel Tsao in brief remarks at the start of the one-night well received performance at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Auditorium on Sunday said this year marks a very important milestone for both the Republic of China which celebrates its Centennial Anniversary and 28 years of diplomatic relations with St. Kitts and Nevis.

Alluding to what he described as a cultural boom, Ambassador Tsao said the exchange is gaining momentum with hard work and dedication throughout the years

He noted that in May, thirty-two students from the Keelung Junior High School showcased two colourful, mesmerizing and fantastic performances in St. Kitts.

“In July, six Youth Ambassador Corps agreed to an invitation by the Government to present their wide range of talents to our many friends in the Federation’s summer camps. The Youth Ambassador Corps returned to Taiwan with the masquerade and clown dance skills and made performances to my countrymen,” said Ambassador Tsao.

He also noted that in August, the Federation’s Carnival Pageant Queen, Ms. Iantavian Queeley was invited by the Ministry of Culture in Taiwan to participate in that country’s Centennial Homestay programme to showcase the beautiful and exuberant culture of St. Kitts and Nevis to the people of Taiwan.

“Minister Marcella Liburd and her Permanent Secretary Ms. Rattan also travelled to Taiwan on a fact-finding trip and one of their most tangible returns was bringing the Musou Band here to the Federation tonight,” said the Taiwan diplomat.

The Musou Band is composed of fifteen professional musicians and dancers. St. Kitts and Nevis is the only Caribbean country that the Band will visit on their tour.

“This demonstrates that the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) attaches more importance on St. Kitts and Nevis. For that, I wish to thank the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their sponsorship,” said the Taiwan diplomat.

The group played several pieces including “The Moon too shy to show up,” “Night Jasmine,” “Rose, Rose, I love You,” “Flight of the Bumblebee,” “The Umbrella and the Orchid,” “A Beautiful Lady,” “La Bamba” “Come if you dare” “I only have you on my heart” and “A State Beauty,” to the loud applause from a packed auditorium.

Among the audience were Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor and Mrs. Condor; the Resident Judge Mr. Justice Errol Thomas; Speaker of the National Assembly, Curtis Martin; Deputy Governor General of Nevis, Mr. Eustace John and Mrs. John; Minister of Culture, Marcella Liburd; Senior Minister Dr. Timothy Harris; and other Members of the Federal Parliament, including Eugene Hamilton, Vance Amory, Vincent Byron; senior government officials, private sector representatives and the reigning Miss St. Kitts and Nevis Iantavian Queeley and the reigning Miss Teen, Siobhan Phipps, along with the contestants for the 2011 National Queen Pageant and 2011 Miss Teen as part of the upcoming National Carnival celebrations.