HOW IS THE JAPANESE OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE (ODA) AND THE GHGP PROGRAMME ADMINISTERED FOR JAMAICA?
Jamaica, the Embassy of Japan has ultimate responsibility for ODA. One area of Japanese ODA to Jamaica is through the Grassroots and Human Security Grant Projects (GHGP) Programme which is a flexible and timely way to respond to felt needs expressed by the people and their communities. This is not a direct, government-to-government type of cooperation. But rather, local Jamaican nationals and organizations can directly approach the Japanese people and the Government of Japan through their Embassy in Jamaica for assistance.
HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY GET TO KNOW ABOUT JAPANESE AID, PARTICULARLY GHGP?
The Embassy of Japan provides information to the public through various means to inform them of the opportunities which exist, through which they can benefit from ODA via the GHGP, and how to go about accessing these. The public can find information in the following locations:
- The Embassy of Japan
- The Internet
- The Media (Publications, Libraries)
HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN GET TO KNOW OF COMMUNITY NEEDS?
Community needs can be identified, defined, put into project format and communicated via grass roots organizations such as Local Government bodies, Non-government Organizations (NGO), Service Clubs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOS) and so on, because these organizations work closely and continuously with various communities. These needs are referred to as, felt needs because they reflect the reality (problems, successes, strengths and deficiencies) as experienced and expressed by the communities themselves.
The Embassy of Japan invites such grass roots organizations to access GHGP Funds by first submitting letters of request, along with special concept Paper forms, followed by full project proposals to be assessed as to eligibility for funding. Then, on being advised of selection, applicants will be required to sign a Grant Contract with the Embassy of Japan. After undergoing the required selection process, successful candidates will be advised accordingly.
 |
 |
| Non-government organization document detailing community needs which have been dentified. |
Conditions seen during exploratory visit to a prospective project site at a basic school. |
 |
 |
| 40ft Container to be refurbished to house a branch library, in the early stage of construction. |
Exterior of completed Library |
 |
 |
| Building being formally handed over to the Jamaica Library Services at a function in 1999. Then representative Dr. Kazuchika Hamuro stands to the extreme right of the photography. |
Interior of completed Library (1999). |
Projects Funded under the GHGP Programme
The GHGP Programme is by far the most user-friendly of Japan's aid initiatives because it responds directly to community needs and can be combined with other types of assistance provided by the Japanese Government. For example, a GHGP project can involve Technical cooperation using Japanese volunteers under the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s volunteer programme.
The priority areas for the GHGP Programme are determined as per local prevailing development status and agenda and in response to unforeseen developmental shocks such as natural disasters.
The projects listed below are the most recent ( 2008-2009) GGP Projects.
- Beacons for Peace Initiative
- Bustamante Children's Hospital
- Maxfield Park Children's Home
 |
 |
Thursday, September 11th, 2008
Ambassador of Japan, H. E.Masahiro Obata, Natalie Peterson, president of Beacons of Peace and Achievement and Warren Newby, Parliamentary Secretary, at the Beacons of Peace and Achievement Grant signing at the Courtleigh Hotel in New Kingston. |
Thursday, March 18, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.
The Japanese Ambassador, H. E. Masahiro Obata presents a cheque to the acting Director of the Maxfield Park Children's Home Ms. Stacy-Ann Nelson. Looking on (L-) Miss Alison Anderson, Chief Executive Officer – Child Development Agency and (R) Dr. Grace Allen Young, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health. |
 |
 |
| First Ambassador of Japan to Jamaica, H.E. Motoi Okubo, hands over a cheque and Contract of agreement to a successful GGP Applicant (1996). |
Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Isao Otsuka, hands over keys to Minister of Local Government, Youth and Community Development, Mr. A. Bertram, during the Handing Over and Commissioning Ceremony of two Fire Trucks to the Jamaica Fire Brigade in August 2001. |
 |
 |
| Ambassador of Japan, H. E. Masahiro Obata at the Bustamante Children's Hospital 2008. |
The Japanese Ambassador, H. E. Hiroshi Sakurai at the signing of the Grant Contract for the Marverley Management Community Training and Lifecare Project. |
Click here to see the full list of GHGP Projects
|
Japan's Economic Assistance to Jamaica | 
