Japan Lauded for Support

The Government of Japan has been lauded for its generous support to Jamaica over the past 58 years by State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Leslie Campbell.

Jamaica and Japan established diplomatic relations on March 16, 1964.

Speaking at a reception held on Wednesday (February 23), to celebrate the 62nd birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito of Japan, Senator Campbell said that during the period, Jamaica has benefited from Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA), administered through the Japan International Cooperation Agency ((JICA).

He added that support from Japan has also extended to Jamaica’s maritime borders with the donation of a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, as part of its 2019 fiscal year Grant Aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme for Jamaica.

“It is anticipated that this vessel will be officially handed over in short order,” Senator Campbell said.

Additionally, he said that Jamaica is anticipating the implementation of a project “to support its emergency communication capabilities before, during and after natural disasters”.

Senator Campbell noted that Jamaica’s health system has benefited from Japan’s assistance over the past two years during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“In March 2021, Japan provided grant funding in the amount of 200,000,000 Yen (approximately US$1.8 million) for the purchase of medical equipment, including defibrillators and X-ray machines, for several hospitals across Jamaica,” he said, adding that the Mandeville Regional Hospital received an ambulance under Japan’s Grassroots Human Security Programme.

He pointed out that some US$1,220,000 in Emergency Grant Aid was allocated to Jamaica from Japan towards the purchase of Cold-Chain Equipment to advance its ‘Last One Mile Support’, a Japanese initiative to ensure that each person across the globe is vaccinated.

“This initiative, which is being jointly implemented in Jamaica in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, will significantly enhance the capacity of our National Vaccination Implementation Programme,” Mr. Campbell added.

He noted that Jamaica received an initial donation of 85 cold boxes valued at approximately US$20,000 in December 2021, while other Cold-Chain Equipment, including deep freezers to be installed at high volume vaccination sites, vaccine carriers, cold boxes, ice packs, temperature monitoring devices and two refrigerated vehicles are expected to arrive at a later date.