Prime Minister Holness Hails Strong Bond Between Jamaica and Japan as Nations Celebrate 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hailed the strong bonds of cooperation and friendship between the Governments of Jamaica and Japan as the nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
To mark the occasion, Prime Minister Holness on Wednesday (July 31) hosted Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, during a courtesy call at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Reflecting on the enduring partnership between both nations, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the profound impact the JICA has had on Jamaica’s development since its inception. The JICA Jamaica Office was established following an agreement signed in 1987, with its cooperation programme commencing in 1989.
Prime Minister Holness expressed gratitude for Japan’s unwavering support and acknowledged the substantial contributions JICA has made advancing cooperation in various sectors, including education, the environment, and business development.
Prime Minister Holness also highlighted the improvement of the emergency communication system at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM which was acquired through the relationship with Japan. The system was pivotal in the disaster preparedness response during and after Hurricane Beryl, significantly assisting communication and emergency response efforts.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister noted that Jamaica and Japan shared similar challenges as both nations are prone to natural disaster such as earthquakes, weather related systems and climate change. In that regard Prime Minister Holness noted both nations could increase increased cooperation in advancing governance systems for disaster management, from primary school education to city governance.
“A good government prepares for disasters. The Government of Jamaica is committed to building resilience and ensuring the country is well-prepared for future disasters.,” declared Prime Minister Holness while underscoring the importance of proactive planning in a world where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense.
Prime Minister Holness and the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) both reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and Japan, working together towards sustainable development and disaster resilience.