Helpful assistance from the government of Japan
In an agreement signed yesterday (Monday), Japan is providing $US1.76 million so the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources can buy equipment to support the development of fisheries and the management of coastal resources.
Under the Solomons National Development Scheme, fisheries is recognised as a key sector for food security and economic development.
“The aid will also help the country deal with threats from over-fishing and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
Meanwhile, members of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) last weekend celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the program since the first volunteers were dispatched to Solomon Islands.
The event was staged on Saturday at the national art gallery in Point Cruz.
The JOCV is one of the schemes under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to support developing countries in areas of economic and social development.
The JOCV programme was established in 1964 when the JICA created the scheme and has since dispatched more than 50,000 volunteers to more than 90 countries.
The first volunteers to SI came in 1979
There are 36 JOCV currently working in 26 fields in 6 provinces which involve education sports, medical services, agriculture, fisheries and environment education.
The volunteers work closely with the people at the grassroots and cooperate to build a better relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands.
The work that the JOCV volunteers do complements the Solomon Islands Government’s efforts in ensuring that sustainable growth is achieved without leaving anyone behind.
The volunteers shared their skills and knowledge and have helped build the capacity of those who might not have had the good fortune of opportunity and education.
Sources: Solomon Star News and Radio New Zealand
Domo arigato, Japan.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
