Diplomatic Talks Preceded Current Appointment 

 
By Val Matthias. Updated 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Ambassador-designate to Taiwan, Kenton Chance, has revealed that conversations about diplomatic postings are not new to him, noting that he had engaged in discussions with administrations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines prior to his current appointment. 

During a recent interview on the WEFM morning show, Chance was asked whether he would have accepted the ambassadorial role if it had been offered under a previous government. He declined to give a definitive answer but stressed that the motivation behind such offers is as important as the offer itself.

“When something is offered to you, you have to think about not just what is offered, but the motivation behind what is offered. It’s not the first time that I’ve had a conversation with an administration in St. Vincent and the Grenadines about diplomatic postings,” he said. 

Chance emphasized that his current appointment is a vote of confidence from the government but underscored that his role is not partisan. He explained that his primary responsibility will be to serve Vincentians in Taiwan, particularly students, ensuring they feel supported and represented. 

His appointment comes after the present administration recalled diplomats and appointed new envoys to key postings. In recent years, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has maintained its long-standing ties with Taiwan, marking over four decades of uninterrupted relations. The government has reshuffled its diplomatic corps to strengthen this partnership, with new ambassadors appointed to represent SVG’s interests in Taipei.

His remarks highlight both the political sensitivity of diplomatic appointments and the continuity of his suitability for such roles across administrations. As he transitions from journalism to diplomacy, Chance framed the appointment as service to the nation at a critical juncture in its foreign policy relationship with Taiwan. 

Mrs Andrea Bowman served as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ first ambassador to Taiwan from 2019 until her recall in 2025 under the new administration.

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