Premier Thanks Mandarin Teacher for Transforming Language Education

Premier Mark Brantley has paid tribute to Ms Chen, a Mandarin teacher from Taiwan whose five-year posting in Nevis has left a lasting impact on the island’s education system.

Arriving at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms Chen joined the Ministry of Education after a mandatory quarantine period and went on to guide four graduating classes of students, some as young as eight, through official certification in Mandarin.

Premier Brantley praised her not only for teaching the language, but for immersing herself in Nevisian life and culture. “She speaks Nevisian dialect better than me and rocks her braids like a local,” he said, noting how Ms Chen built bridges by sharing her culture while embracing that of her students.

As Ms Chen returns home, the Premier thanked both her and the government of Taiwan for their contribution, describing her as “beloved and revered” and highlighting her role in strengthening ties between Nevis and Taiwan.

“We shall always remember her immense contribution to the people of Nevis,” Brantley said. “We look forward to continuing our Mandarin programme with her successor.”

He closed with a personal farewell: “Farewell Ms Chen until we meet again. 再见.”