Taiwanese boy wins tropical island in prize draw

By Travelmail Writers

For many kids it is the stuff of dreams, the chance to occupy your own small Treasure Island, but, in Taiwan it seems, dreams really can come true.

A 4-year-old boy has won the use of an uninhabited tropical island, with white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, in a Taiwan lottery aimed at boosting spending during an economic downturn.

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum anyone?

Officials said Yeh Chien-wei, who won the prize at Thursday's draw, will get exclusive rights to the tiny plot in the Taiwan Strait from May through September.

Penghu County, an offshore archipelago, will provide food, drinks, water and electricity to the boy.

He has been quoted in local media saying he wants to play in the sea.

‘Penghu has a lot of islands, and that one has water and electricity, so someone can really enjoy it,’ said county economic promotion official Lu Yan-chang, explaining why use of the island, which also has a cabin, was offered as a prize.

Many local authorities in Taiwan have offered cars, houses and other prizes to encourage locals to spend consumer vouchers worth ($103) that the government gave to every citizen in January to encourage spending to help boost the sagging economy.

Penghu, which comprises 64 islands, is known for its beautiful beaches and water sports and is a keen spot for divers.

According to the terms of the prize, the boy and up to seven family members can visit the island five times, for trips that last a maximum of three days.