 In a heartwarming gesture of compassion and solidarity, the Taiwanese Embassy via the NGO Simply Help Foundation has again extended a helping hand to scores of marginalized and less fortunate households in St. Lucia donating close to US$100,000 worth of essential items to the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment for Distribution. The short yet significant handover ceremony took place on January 18, 2024. Among the diverse array of items provided were clothing, shoes, toys, sporting equipment and sanitary wipes reflecting a thoughtful and comprehensive effort to address the needs of vulnerable communities. Deputy Permanent Secretary Cecilia Charles Arthur expressed heartfelt gratitude for the significant contribution, highlighting the transformative impact it will have on the lives of the intelligent households across the island. Charles Arthur says the partnership exemplifies the Ministry's commitment to work in collaboratively with various sectors, donors, funding agencies and governments to create lasting positive change. We are grateful for your support and belief in our cause. Your contribution will help us provide vital resources and support to those who need it most, including children, families, communities facing significant challenges. No matter how small, every act of kindness can create positive change. And today, your donation is a powerful reminder of that fact. His Excellency Peter Shen, Ambassador of the Republic of China Taiwan to St. Lucia, conveyed his government's delight in playing a lead role in affecting positive change on the island. The latest donation builds on the almost decade-old tradition that began in 2015 and demonstrates the enduring spirit of international cooperation. Under Honorable Prime Minister Philly J.P.S. leadership, social justice and needs remain priority on the agenda, and Taiwan is proud to be part of endeavors in improving the livelihood of the people of St. Lucia. Here, I would also like to extend my appreciation to Honorable Minister Joachim Henry and his team for this handing over ceremony. I believe the partnership we share will continue to navigate us on the right path to sustainable development of St. Lucia. Honoring the mandate of poverty alleviation, Equity Minister Honorable Joachim Henry emphasized the seamless collaboration with Taiwanese officials. Minister Henry noted that the handover ceremony spoke volumes about the power of collective efforts in making life easier for those in need. He underscored the ministry's unique positioning to bring hope to the less fortunate and the downtrodden. It's important that we understand as a ministry for equity, social justice and empowerment that just as the heartbeat is important to have blood through the body, so is the thought of kindness to our civilization. We take these things for granted. Sometimes we may think that it's just another, but it is not just another activity of handing over ceremony. This maintains our civilization. This ensures that we continue to cater and be relevant as a society, cater for those who are most in need. The items that you see here for some of us, they are beautiful, valuable, but for those that are without, it will be more than just something that is valuable. It will contribute to their own asset. They will be in the dignity. They will feel good about themselves. The ministry's social transformation officers have wasted no time in initiating the distribution of these life-enhancing items to vulnerable households across the island.