Taiwanese delegation arrives in Belize
The Republic of China on Taiwan has been one of Belize’s best friends virtually since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1989. But it was not until today, nearly fifteen years later, that the tiny Asian powerhouse, with twenty-three million people jammed into a land area only slightly larger than Belize, sent its head of state for a visit. For the cynically inclined the relationship is a straightforward business deal: Belize votes and lobbies in favour of admitting Taiwan into every international forum it can, particularly the United Nations. In return Taiwan blesses Belize with a substantial amount of cash, low interest loans and technical assistance. But just as a marriage of convenience can eventually evolve into love, there is reason to believe that over the years the arrangement between the two countries has grown, at least to the point where Belizeans have come to greatly respect the Taiwanese capacity for hard work, dedication to democracy and courage in the face of a large and aggressive neighbour. As for how the Taiwanese really feel about Belize, that is more of a mystery, but several thousand like it enough to have pulled up stakes in their own country to make this place their home. And that is where our coverage begins…at the Philip Goldson International Airport, where News 5’s Patrick Jones was on duty amidst a sea of Taiwanese flags.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
When the chartered Airbus 340 touched down at the International Airport shortly after eleven o?clock this morning, hundreds of Taiwanese-Belizeans were waiting anxiously to greet President Chen Shui-Bian. Armed with flags, banners and posters, young and old jockeyed for the best position to see the President. For many, especially those raised in Belize, it was their first encounter with the leader of their homeland.
Girl #1
“We’re so glad at this time, that he come and visit in Belize.”
Girl #2
“We are very happy that he can come here to visit this country.”
Man #1
“We are very happy today, yes. It’s the first time the President from Taiwan come to visit us, yes.”
“We get everybody together this morning to welcome him and then, as you travel along the road you see all the banners, big flags, and then we just want to convey our happiness for this event, yes.”
Candy Watson
“I’m very excited because it’s the first time he?s coming here. I’m very excited.”
Patrick Jones
“If you get the chance to meet the President personally, what would you say to him?”
Candy Watson
“I would say welcome to Belize. Because I never saw him before in Taiwan; it’s the first time I see him. I am very excited I’m very glad to see him.”
Alex Chang, President, Taiwan-Belize, Chamber of Commerce
(Translated version from Taiwanese to English language)”He is very happy about the President coming to Belize. We are very happy that he come here for a relationship between Taiwan and Belize is very good.”
Patrick Jones
“Rick, how do you feel about the President visiting?”
Man #2
“Excellent. Everybody is happy. We want our President to come in to make good friendship between these two countries.”
Boy #1
“Very happy because, first time our President come here. So, many people here, and we feel so happy.”
Patrick Jones
“If you get a chance to talk to the President what would you say to him?”
Boy #1
“I would say nice to meet you because in Taiwan I would not get so close to meet him. I will shake hand and maybe give him a sign.”
President Chen arrived in Belize on the second leg of his visit to Central America, having stopped in Panama yesterday for the inauguration of President Martin Torrijos. Prime Minister Said Musa, who also attended the inauguration, hitched a ride back home with President Chen.
After introducing President Chen to members of cabinet, including Deputy PM Johnny Briceño, the two leaders were given a twenty-one gun salute.
The President got to enjoy some of the traditional dragon dance…brief moment to press flesh with spectators, and the official welcome was done. President Chen was then ushered into a waiting motorcade and whisked away to set up shop at the Radisson before heading off for official events in Belmopan. At the Philip Goldson International Airport, Patrick Jones, for News Five.
