Mitchell embraces mainland China

THE Grenadian government has kicked the Republic of China (Taiwan) out of St George’s, choosing instead to embrace the communist People’s Republic of China. After a 24-year-old relationship in which Taiwan donated hundreds of millions of dollars to the people of Grenada, Grenada Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said the time has come to review diplomatic relations and to move forward. Mitchell said relations with Taiwan have not been good over the last 18 months, and when he indicated to the local Taiwanese officials six months ago that he was opening the door for communications with mainland China, “they did not take me seriously.”

Just recently, Taiwan gave a commitment to the Grenadian government for US$40 million for the reconstruction of the national stadium in time for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. The stadium was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ivan on September 7. When contacted, however, Taiwanese ambassador to Grenada Allan Jaing said. “the US$40 million was just a commitment.” He refused further comment but said he met with Mitchell after the prime minister returned from Beijing last Friday. In a nationwide address on Monday night, Mitchell defended his decision to visit mainland China earlier this month, but at the same time, he spoke of the souring of relations with Taiwan.

“The ambassador for Taiwan and officials in Taipei knew fully well the truth with the relationship over the past few years. Since this government came into office, I have had cause to complain to diplomatic personnel in Grenada as well as high-level personnel in Taipei at both ministerial and official levels. “These complaints focused on our dissatisfaction, attitude and relations Grenada has been experiencing at the hands of the present Taiwan government personnel, both in Taipei and in Grenada. The way the relationship was being managed was a source of concern to us here in Grenada.” Mitchell said several government ministers during visits to Taipei raised the matter with high officials and ministerial contacts. He said he even asked some ministers and diplomats of friendly countries to speak to the Taiwanese over the last 18 months.

“The feedback we got is that Grenada was no longer important to Taiwan,” the prime minister told the people. Mitchell said six months ago, he informed Ambassador Jiang that he had opened certain channels of communication with mainland China. “They did not take me seriously, and I can’t be blamed for that.” Mitchell said after Hurricane Ivan devastated the island, mainland China extended its hand of assistance to Grenada, notwithstanding the fact that it had no formal relationship with the country. He said when mainland China asked him to pay an official visit, he considered long before deciding to go. He held discussions with friendly governments inside and outside of the Caribbean. “Grenada has acted very honourably and transparently with Taiwan. I was also transparent with the local ambassador. I have had important discussions with him on this matter.

This government has been very open, honest and frank. We have done nothing behind their backs. We have kept them abreast of all our dealings.” He continued, “your government is not angry with Taiwan. We have been frustrated, recognising the relationship that existed before this government came into office. We have been disappointed, but not angry.” Although he informed the nation that mainland China was the way to go, he wants to maintain economic and diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Mitchell said his decision to go to mainland China is to put Grenada in a more secure environment as Grenada embarks on a long road to recovery. To show he was making the right move, Mitchell said that most of the countries around the world recognise mainland China — not Taiwan.

Right here in the region, he named Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica as some of his neighbours who recognise mainland China. Mitchell said his visit to mainland China was successful, although he refused to divulge specifics until there is a signing agreement. He needed to rush back home to his cabinet to discuss details of the package. Although he revealed nothing, Newsday learnt that the most significant detail of the package was having diplomatic ties with mainland China. What he did say was that mainland China wants to assist Grenada with low-income housing, education, agriculture, health, support for the reconstruction of the national stadium, and the rebuilding of the main hospital. That package runs over the next six years.“This is not about Keith Mitchell, it is about you the people of Grenada,” the prime minister added.