Ambassador Kato Bids Farewell

H.E. Mr. Shigenobu Kato, Ambassador of Japan to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, paid a farewell visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Tuesday, 7th March 2006, to mark the completion of his tour of duty in the region. {{more}}

During his visit, the Ambassador paid courtesy calls on the Governor General, H.E. Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Hon. Sir Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister acting, and Hon. Montgomery Daniel, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines established Diplomatic Relations with Japan in the early 1980s and has enjoyed very fruitful relations with that country. The Government of Japan has provided technical and financial assistance in the areas of Agriculture, including construction and remodeling of the Kingstown Fish Market and other Fisheries Complexes throughout the country.

During his term of office, Ambassador Kato was instrumental in the implementation of various projects under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. These include the Construction of the Home for Girls, (Marriaqua), the provision of Ambulances for Rural Medical Centres, and the Restoration of the Semple Cay Whaling Station, for the Bequia Whalers’ Association.

The Japanese Government also continues to assist in the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines by dispatching experts under the Japanese Volunteer Programme, especially in the area of small enterprise development.