Grenada Today - The National Newspaper of Grenada, Carriacou & Petite Martinique

The National Cheng-Chi University of the Republic of China on Taiwan (ROC) has terminated the five- year scholarships of four Grenadian students studying in that country.

This was confirmed to GRENADA TODAY by one of the students Kellon Bubb via a telephone call from Taipei to this newspaper on Monday. Bubb along with fellow journalist Tricia Reuben, school teachers Crystal Joseph (daughter of House Speaker Lawrence Joseph and Parliamentary Representative for St. Andrew's South-west Yolande Bain-Joseph) and Nylon Marrast were awarded scholarships by the local embassy here in August last year.

Bubb disclosed that the position of the Taiwanese was made known to them officially last week-end. The students have been fearful that the decision of this country to sever relationship with the ROC could result in the termination of their scholarships.

Grenada last month, officially broke off ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing, in a move that has angered Taipei. China views Taiwan as a renegade province and has threatened to use force if it declares its independence.

The decision of the New National Party (NNP) administration of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell to dump the ROC was, according to the Grenadian leader as a result of the lucrative aid package offered Grenada by China. Dr. Mitchell has been in search of help to re-build his country ravaged by hurricane Ivan five months ago.

Bubb stated that himself and Reuben will return to Grenada in May while Marrast and Joseph are expected here at the ending of the month. He spoke of the Taiwanese communicating how "very hurt" they felt over the way this country broke off diplomatic relations with them and so they had no other choice but to cancel the scholarships awarded them.

Foreign Affairs Minister Elvin Nimrod has said on a recent radio programme that it is unfortunate if the scholarships were terminated but that if this does happen, the students will continue their studies at a University in Hong Kong.

According to Bubb, if the statements by the Foreign Minister are true, then that was not communicated to himself and Reuben, since they were not told of the decision. He could not say whether or not Joseph and Marrast were informed of the move which might have resulted in their early departure from Taipei.

Bubb is disappointed over the turn of events in St. George's that had prevented him from pursuing his studies in journalism. The journalist stated that although Dominica had broken off relations with Taiwan last year, students from that country were allowed to continue their studies.

Bubb told this newspaper that on his return in May he will look at other options available for him to pursue his education. The four were the first batch of students to be given scholarships to Taipei with plans to select more persons in the future.