Japanese Ambassador to Saint Lucia Yoshimasa Tezuka at this morning’s ceremony. * Press secretary photo.
PRESS RELEASE - The Government of Japan and the Government of Saint Lucia signed a USD $1 million grant agreement on Tuesday, June 17, 2014.
The grant will provide assistance to Saint Lucia in the procurement of industrial equipment and material and was proposed with the view to strengthen friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and Saint Lucia.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Saint Lucia Yoshimasa Tezuka says this agreement is mutually beneficial, as both countries will derive economic benefits. According to the Ambassador,
“This grant of USD one million will provide benefits to both Japan and Saint Lucia. In the agreement, the industrial materials will be provided by East Japan and the economic returns will go towards reconstruction of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. For Saint Lucia, the funds will go towards the rehabilitation as a result of the Christmas Eve trough. ”
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Kenny Anthony says he is pleased that Japan has contributed to Saint Lucia’s efforts to raise much needed funds.
“As you are aware, Saint Lucia is facing difficult financial times. Your true friends are those who come forward in times of crisis. I cannot help but reflect on our extraordinary friendship over the years. Japan has contributed greatly to the development of our fishing industry, through the construction of Fishing Ports in many communities, including my own constituency, Vieux-Fort South.
“I am grateful for yet another cooperation agreement and I am particularly pleased with the flexibility this one provides. Saint Lucia has been given the latitude to determine its needs and to activate the fund for these purposes,” Anthony explained.
The prime minister thanked the ambassador on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia and says he looks forward to more mutually beneficial endeavors in the near future.
The signing ceremony was held at the official residence of the prime minister in Vigie.