Japan gives grants to three organizations
After presenting his credentials yesterday to the Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young today newly appointed Ambassador from Japan Katsuyuki Tanaka signed grants for three non-governmental organizations to help them with projects to benefit the community. The total given was over two hundred thousand dollars. Hyacinth Latchman was at the ceremonies this morning.
The Japanese government has given the Cayo Center for Employment Training fifty thousand, twenty dollars, the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired got one hundred five thousand, nine hundred and twenty five dollars while the Belize Red Cross received sixty thousand, seventy-two dollars. The main purpose of the grants is to contribute to the development of Belize at the community level.
Norma Fuller, President, Belize Red Cross
“A priority was identified in the current, it is the development of our branches. Hence the submission of a project proposal to this aid scheme for a building for a Toledo branch. This building will serve as a disaster preparedness and response operation center. It will offer facilities and other services identified by the people of the area and as well it will enhance the image of the Red Cross. It will make us more visible. Our organization aims at developing a sustainable pace. We recognize the need to be self-supporting but we also appreciate those who are prepared to assist us in achieving those goals.”
Sister Elsa Oliva, President, B.C.V.I.
“It helps us to strengthen our work to help those who cannot see. It is true that they see in their own way but if we brighten that ray of light that sometimes is there, it is very beneficial for them. And, this is what your contribution is going to assist us to do. We have identified our need in Punta Gorda and it is coincidental that the Red Cross and the B.C.V.I. are going down to Punta Gorda.”
Sister Elsa thanked the Ambassador for his contribution and also expressed her appreciation for Japan’s assistance to Belizean youths. Martin Murphy discussed the many difficulties that face the Cayo Center for Employment Training.
Martin Murphy, Cayo Center for Employment Training
“Since its foundation in 1996 we have had enormous difficulties, managerial and financial. Our financial constraints are so huge because of the cost of all the equipment and books and personnel. These costs are enormous.”
Murphy says that because of the grant given by Ambassador Tanaka the school will now have a chance to solve some of its problems. His Excellency Tanaka says that although the grants are small he hopes that they will be very beneficial to the three organizations.
Katsuyuki Tanaka, Japanese Ambassador
“This grant is really small in amount and it is a very modest one. It is a pure expression of the wishes of my government and my people to share the feeling with you and to cooperate with the people of Belize who have been making great efforts in sorting the great problems in the society, such as education, health, etc. etc. So that I am certain that the three organizations who are going to accept this very modest donation will use it in an appropriate way.”
Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
Last night the government of Japan also presented studio equipment to the Bliss Institute. The cultural grant provided for video, sound and lighting equipment valued at over eight hundred thousand dollars.
