Japanese Government Assisting St. Kitts-Nevis In Disaster Reduction Efforts

(ZIZ News) — Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon. Mark Brantley, backed by the support of his Permanent Secretary and representatives of the Ministry of National Security, shared words of appreciation and gratitude to the Japanese government when he accepted a grant that will go towards establishing a clear plan of action and response strategy to mitigate the impact of natural and man-made disasters.

During a brief ceremony in the Ministry of Agriculture’s Conference Room at Government Headquarters, Minister Brantley said “this equipment will enhance both the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the disaster risk management services in our Federation.”

The Japanese Ambassador to St. Kitts-Nevis, Mitsuhiko Okada, revealed that the equipment grant totals approximately US$800,000.

He also noted that the Grant Aid Programme aims “to enhance the disaster preparedness in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

He said, “it is our hope that this Grant Aid Programme will significantly reduce disaster damages in the future.”

Brantley, in response, said because of the uncertain nature of natural disasters, it is important that St. Kitts and Nevis takes a proactive approach and prepares now.

“The provision of disaster reduction equipment is a timely and welcomed contribution to the national disaster management agency of St. Kitts and Nevis. It’s a significant contribution to our efforts to achieve and maintain an appropriate state of national preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies,” he said.

Friday morning’s ceremony was also attended by Second Secretary Takafumi Ura, Kaye Bass of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, and Osmond Petty and Carl Herbert from the Ministry of National Security.