Taipei, Republic of China (Taiwan) (Embassy of Saint Christopher and Nevis) (November 5, 2026) – The Embassy of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis in the Republic of China (Taiwan) has expressed its sincere appreciation to the Taichung City Government’s Cultural Bureau for providing an opportunity for Kittitian and Nevisian artists and musicians to participate in the 2026 Taichung Jazz Festival for the first time.
The historic performance took place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, during the festival’s final evening at Taichung Civic Square, where performers from the Federation entertained thousands of spectators with a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music and culture.
The participating groups included Sugar Birds, represented by Howard Liburd and Makalia Tucker; Formosa Pandaz, featuring Stephen Richards, Jacinth Hunkins and Kazrano Gumbs; and DexFactor, led by Dexter Walters and his band.
Their performances featured a diverse selection of songs, including Bless the Day, Viva Saint Kitts and Nevis, My Way, When Love Comes Knocking, L.O.V.E., and United St. Kitts and Nevis, along with three steelpan selections, including Coffee Street. His Excellency Donya L. Francis, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of China (Taiwan), also made a special guest appearance, joining the performers on stage.
The Federation’s participation followed discussions held in April 2026 between Ambassador Francis and Director General Chen Jia-Jun of the Taichung City Government Cultural Bureau, during which the possibility of featuring Kittitian and Nevisian performers at the internationally recognised festival was explored.
Ambassador Francis expressed his gratitude to the Cultural Bureau for embracing the proposal and providing a platform for the Federation’s talented nationals to share their musical heritage with an international audience. “I attended the Taichung Festival twice, and while sitting in the audience, I envisioned the day I would see Kittitians and Nevisians. I am grateful for the relationship I have built with the Taichung City Government and for the benefits that have come from it,” said His Excellency Francis.
The Embassy also extends its appreciation to Chuan Liu Music, the participating artists and musicians, Embassy staff and all those whose contributions made this historic achievement possible.
The Embassy views this milestone as another meaningful demonstration of the enduring friendship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan, highlighting the important role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening people-to-people connections and promoting greater appreciation of the Federation’s rich cultural heritage.
