LPM wants referendum on Taiwan-China issue
10.02.2010
The newly formed Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM) wants St. Lucians to vote on the Taiwan-China issue. In its first editorial piece on its new website, which was launched on Saturday, the party called for a referendum.
The LPM said the question of whether St. Lucia should remain with the Taiwanese government or re-establish diplomatic relations with mainland China, regardless of who wins the next general election, should not be the sole prerogative of the politicians but decided by the people and voters of St. Lucia in a referendum.
Saint Lucia (1) -- Analyses -- 2010
About the choice
10.02.2010
Interim co-chairman of the LPM, Therold Prudent, said that the Taiwanese form of foreign assistance differs from that of mainland China.
He explained that the Taiwanese style of foreign aid in St. Lucia emphasizes small projects such as the tissue culture development project and the construction of fish farms that put money directly into the hands of farmers, fishermen and those who need it most.
On the other hand, mainland China’s style of foreign assistance and its emphasis on large, capital and labour intensive projects in St Lucia, such as the construction of a sports stadium and a mental hospital, puts revenue directly in the coffers of government while helping government meet its social responsibility to the people.
Prudent concluded that since both the Taiwanese and mainland China’s style of foreign aid tend to benefit the people, one directly and the other indirectly, the people should be the ones to make the choice between Taiwan and China.
Bulgarian