Japan funds community development projects

The Government of Guyana and Japan signed three grants totaling US$270,510 for local organisations embarking on development projects, benefitting over 2,000 in Regions Six and Nine.

The St. Francis Community Developers, Special Needs for Life Inc. and Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest were beneficiaries of grants under the Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

These will see the construction of a skills training resource centre at Corentyne-Berbice at a cost of US$90,797; a US$89,813 multi-purpose centre in Kuma village in Central Rupununi and a medical service centre at Iwokrama International Centre for Rain Forest, for US$89, 900.

During the simple ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock acknowledged the long-standing relations between Guyana and Japan.  He described the funding as timely, even as the administration is working develop the country’s human capital.

The Minister said that Guyana is now seen as the gateway to South America and there are many expectations. Therefore, he said partnerships such as these are very important for the further development of the country.

He said that the agreement is one that is welcomed at this time when Guyana is poised to see major development emerging for the new and emerging oil and gas industry.

He commended the organisations for visualizing and executing such project to enhance the livelihood of the people within their communities.

Japan’s Deputy Head of Mission, Yoshinori Yakabe, said that the country is pleased to support the organizations and their endeavours, to provide educational and social services to Guyanese. (Extracted and modified from DPI)