Focus Taiwan reported that Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre sought expanded scholarships in Oct. 29 talks with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, bringing education into focus as both sides reviewed their broader relationship.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office said Pierre cited more than 400 Saint Lucians who had received Taiwanese scholarship support for higher education. Its account confirmed the meeting and described existing education cooperation, but did not include the reported request to expand scholarship programs.
Focus Taiwan also reported Pierre’s call for a new facility supporting cultural and creative work. Taiwan’s official readouts did not announce approval or funding for either proposal. The outlet also reported that Pierre cited an El Niño-related drought, overheated classrooms and living costs among Saint Lucia’s challenges, while raising agricultural modernization and alternative energy.
In July, Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Education said 48 students were scheduled to travel to Taiwan for higher education in late August. It described them as the largest cohort it had announced as departing for Taiwan; the release did not confirm that all 48 made the trip. The ministry dates its Taiwan Scholarship Program to 2007. Saint Lucia’s Department of External Affairs says diplomatic relations with Taiwan were restored that year.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said the talks covered agriculture, education, youth and women’s empowerment. It identified cultural preservation and creative industries as areas for further cooperation, and said the two sides discussed a proposed Taiwan Caribbean Prosperity Academy, trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Commerce lists the 19th Annual Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Show for Nov. 6-8, 2026, at the Pavilion on the Ramp in Rodney Bay. Focus Taiwan reported that more than 70 local companies were expected to participate alongside Taiwanese businesses.
