Ambassador Chance Presents Credentials to Taiwan as Nations Near 45 Years of Diplomatic Ties 

By S.Browne. Updated 11:14 a.m., Friday, May 29, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

His Excellency Kenton X. Chance on Thursday presented his Letter of Credence as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to Taiwan, as Kingstown and Taipei prepare to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations in August, 2026.

Chance presented his credentials to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te at the Presidential Office in Taipei, two days after presenting a copy to Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-Lung.

The appointment comes at a significant moment in relations between the two countries, which formally established diplomatic ties in August 1981 and have since maintained cooperation in areas including education, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, disaster recovery, technology and human resource development.

Taiwan has over the decades provided scholarships to Vincentian students, technical assistance and support for several national development initiatives in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Chance, a Taiwan-trained media professional, reflected on the personal significance of representing his country in Taipei nearly two decades after first arriving there as a student.

“When I arrived in your distinguished country on March 2, 2026, as the Ambassador-designate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (Taiwan), it was six months shy of 20 years after I arrived in 2006, as a recipient of a scholarship from your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study Mandarin Chinese for one year and to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree,” Ambassador Chance said in remarks delivered during the credential ceremony.

“I left Taiwan six years later, in 2012, with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master of Arts in International Affairs.”

Chance said his education in Taiwan helped to shape his international journalism career, which later saw him reporting for major news organisations around the world.

“My work as a journalist resulted in your Ministry of Education recognising me, in 2022, as a Distinguished Taiwan Alumnus,” Ambassador Chance said.

“As a result of my career in journalism and mass communication, I have had the pleasure of travelling to several countries and territories globally. And whether I found myself in Abu Dhabi, Accra or Algiers; Lima or London; Panama City, Paramaribo, Paris or Port Moresby; Riyadh or Roseau; Santiago or Seoul; Warsaw or Washington; Kingston or Kingstown, Tel Aviv, Tokyo or Taipei, the education I received in Taiwan served me well.”

The ambassador also highlighted the symbolic timing of his appointment as the two countries approach the milestone anniversary of diplomatic ties.

“On March 18 this year, we shook hands in this historic building as our Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Major St. Clair Leacock, was leading a delegation on an official visit to your beautiful country. That day, I turned 45 years old. In August, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations. I mentioned the foregoing to highlight my deep understanding of the nature of the relationship that exists between our two nations. I am a product of that relationship and I am as old as it has existed.”

“Therefore, I consider it a special honour to be representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan at this time.”

Chance also acknowledged the work of Andrea Bowman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ first ambassador to Taiwan, noting that she had been his high school teacher.

“She laid a solid foundation during her tour of duty. I intend to build on that foundation, erecting pillars in support of a broader, expanded relationship,” Ambassador Chance said.

He added: “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines values its relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan); our government stands ready to deepen and expand that relationship for the continued benefit of both our peoples and our countries.”

In remarks of his own, President Lai described the ambassador’s appointment as timely given the approaching diplomatic milestone.

“Ambassador Chance’s appointment at such a significant moment will allow us to witness new milestones in our relations,” President Lai said.

He expressed hope that Chance’s longstanding connection to Taiwan would help deepen cooperation between the countries. “We continue to cherish this longstanding partnership as we embrace the future together … Going forward, I believe we will build on existing cooperation in smart agriculture and smart medicine and continue to deepen and diversify our collaboration, helping us realise our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity.”

President Lai also thanked Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for consistently supporting Taiwan in international forums over the years.

“Such actions embody the priceless spirit of true friendship and mutual support. Moving ahead, we look forward to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation. This will allow Taiwan to use its expertise to make contributions to the international community and work with like-minded nations to enhance global well-being,” President Lai said.

During the diplomatic engagements, Ambassador Chance presented gifts showcasing Vincentian art and culture.

He presented Minister Lin with a painting titled “All Ah Dat Is Mas” by Vincentian artist Sharleen Branch on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, who is completing a master’s degree programme at National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan.

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, he presented a painting of three horses by Vincentian artist and radio personality Donnie Collins to President Lai. The gesture carried added cultural significance, as 2026 is the Year of the Horse in Chinese astrology, where the horse is regarded as a powerful symbol of speed, success, vitality, and unyielding spirit.

According to the embassy, the paintings were specially commissioned at Ambassador Chance’s request for presentation during the official events.

Chance was among the new heads of missions and consulates announced in Kingstown on January 22, 2026, by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble.

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