Tuesday, 21st November 2023, was a significant moment for the People of Nevis when the Nevis Disaster Management Department held the completion ceremony for the Project for Improving Disaster Resilience in Nevis.
Ambassador of Japan to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Yutaka Matsubara provided the featured address at the Completion Ceremony that preceded the Ceremonial Ribbon cutting at the Girls Guides Bridge and Access Road. In his remarks, Ambassador Matsubara emphasized Japan’s firm commitment of support to St. Kitts and Nevis by highlighting the strong bonds of friendship existing between both countries. His Excellency also emphasized the importance of implementing social and economic development projects needed to enhance the lives of ordinary people while building resilience.
The Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister with responsibilities for the Ministry of Communications and Disaster Management formerly welcomed Ambassador Matsubara to Nevis and provided the genesis of the project in his remarks.
The successful project proposal obtained formal approval from the Government of Japan for funding under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). Through this funding, the Nevis Disaster Management Department received a grant of $161,309.00 or $433,605.64 under the 2019 financial year.
This project entailed:
- Reconstruction of Bridge and access road near Charlestown Sixth Form College and Nevis Girls Guides Headquarters in Stoney Grove.
- Installation of aluminum shutters at Cotton Ground and Pond Hill Community Centers
- Installation of 1000 gallons of water tanks at the Cotton Ground and Pond Hill Community Centers
- Erection of Official Display Plates at all project sites
- Financial Audit of all project activities
The Project commenced on Monday, 29th June 2020 with the installation of Water Tanks at the Pond Hill and Cotton Ground Community Centers, and culminated with the completion of the Girls Guide Bridge and access road on 5th August 2022. The Nevis Island Administration contributed to XCD$313,916.71 toward the completion of the Bridge and access road.
Mr. Brian Dyer, Director of the Nevis Disaster Management Department, provided the overview of the project and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government and People of Japan for providing.