Japan Gov’t grants financing to three local NGOs - Foreign Minister lauds country for its continued assistance to Guyana
Written by Gina Webmasters, Published in News, Georgetown, GINA, February 13, 2015, Source - GINA
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodriques-Birkett and Mr. Takaaki Kato, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan along with representatives of the three beneficiaries posing for a photograph opportunity following the signing ceremony
Three Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) will be more equipped to carry out their humanitarian works as they have received funding from the Japanese Government through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, representatives of Habitat for Humanity, Special Needs for Life Inc., and the Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Centre each signed their contracts.
Mr. Takaaki Kato, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in his remarks expressed pleasure in being a part of the event. He stated that the initiative is designed to promote human security by assisting organisations in achieving their objectives.
He added that it is his belief that through the grants received by these organisations they will be able to develop their infrastructure capacity and enhance their training skills offered to communities they serve.
He said his government has no doubt that the assistance will address basic human needs, and they are more than happy to assist in so doing.
Mr. Kato added that these grants further demonstrate how strong is the bilateral relation between Japan and Guyana, not only through inter-government and cooperative relations, but also through civil efforts.
Meanwhile Minister of Foreign Affair, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett stated that this is indeed another demonstration by the Government of Japan of the excellent relations the two countries share.
Since Japan and Guyana started their bilateral relations, Guyana has benefitted from projects including the construction of the CARICOM Headquarters, New Amsterdam Hospital, the Corriverton Water supply project, and assistance towards the East Demerara Water Conservancy project which is ongoing, among several others.
Mr. Mark Adams of the Special Needs For Life Inc., receiving his contract from Mr. Takaaki Kato, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan
“As you are all aware, Guyana is a developing country and while we have seen sustained improvement in many areas, we still have a lot more to be done and assistance like these are always welcome and we value this partnership.”
While noting how important these grants are for nation building, the Minister stated it is also the efforts of pro-development and non-governmental organisations that add to a country’s growing economy.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett also congratulated the beneficiaries as she hailed them as unsung heroes for their invaluable contribution to society.
“This is a tangible example of these three organisations, and I know they have many people behind that are saying this is what we can do for Guyana, and I’m especially pleased because all three of these projects are focusing on young people.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodriques-Birkett, and Mr. Takaaki Kato, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan along with Mr. Rawle Small of Habitat for Humanity and Ms. Yetrawatee Katryan of Roadside Baptist Church Skills Centre during the signing ceremony for the Japan aid grant
Given the fact that 65% of Guyana’s population falls under the age of 40, Minister Rodrigues-Birkett pointed out it is imperative for more opportunities to be created for youths.
In the meantime under this grant, Habitat for Humanity will be receiving US$100,684 for the construction of a Resource Center in Linden. The Roadside Baptist Church Skills Training Center will receive funds totalling US $90,373 for renovating of their training centre, while the Special Needs For Life Inc., will receive US$99,142 which will go towards constructing a modern building for the Bina Hill Indigenous Youth Skill Training Centre in Region Nine.
Representatives of each NGO present, Mr. Rawle Small of Habitat for Humanity, Ms. Yetrawatee Katryan of Roadside Baptist Church Skills Centre and Mr. Mark Adams of the Special Needs for Life Inc, all expressed their gratitude for the grants.