GOJ GETS FOUR HUNDRED MILLION YEN FROM THE GOJP FOR THE PURCHASE OF POLICE VEHICLES

­­­­­­­­­­­K­­­­­­­ingston, Jamaica: Wednesday, July 5, 2023

The Government of Japan (GOJP) through its Economic and Social Development Programme has provided grant assistance to the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) in the amount of four hundred million Japanese Yen (¥400,000,000.00) to assist the Ministry of National Security with purchasing vehicles for the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The Signing Ceremony for the exchange of notes between both countries was held at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service in Kington on Friday, June 30, 2023.

The grant assistance will be used to purchase thirty-three (33) pickup trucks and five (5) ambulances. The pickup trucks will be deployed to support police patrols, respond to calls for service and general crime management.

Hon. Nigel Clarke, DPhil., MP, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, described the Japan Government as a dependable longstanding partner of Jamaica that has supported Jamaica’s development in several areas.

“What we like about the support that’s provided from the Government of Japan to the Government of Jamaica is the granular nature and the thoughtful approach that is always taken –  an approach that is geared towards making sure that Jamaicans benefit from the support being provided,” explained Minister Clarke.

In his response, His Excellency Yasuhiro Atsumi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Jamaica says today marks the beginning of another new cooperation on the security front.

“Undoubtedly, Japan’s commitment to our bilateral relations carries great significance and that is why our coming together at this occasion is a clear indication that Japan stands in solidarity with Jamaica…we are well aware that crime and violence is a growing concern and is the biggest challenge that Jamaica is facing at present,” said Ambassador Atsumi.

His Excellency also noted that concrete steps must be taken to reduce the number of murders, shootings and other major crimes in Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in her remarks noted that the funds will significantly improve Jamaica’s ability to effectively tackle criminality across the length and breadth of Jamaica.

She said, “We’re pleased that the Government of Japan has recognised that Jamaica is not only investing more in the fight against crime but that there are encouraging results which should be supported such as the marked double-digit reduction in murders.”

Also present at the signing ceremony was Hon. Juliet Cuthbert- Flynn, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security who endorsed this initiative and thanked the Government of Japan for their generous contribution noting that it will improve the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s crime-fighting efforts.

The GOJ and the GOJP established diplomatic relations in 1964 with the Embassy of Japan in Jamaica being established in 1995. Finalisation of the Exchange of Notes, Record of Discussions and the Agreed Minutes on Procedural Details is a strong indicator of the GOJP’s continued commitment to support Jamaica’s economic and social development through the strengthening of our existing security capabilities. 

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For further information contact: 

Corporate Communication & Public Relations Branch

Ministry of Finance and the Public Service

30 National Heroes Circle

Kingston 4

Tel: (876) 932-4656/4660/4655

Email:  Shelly-Ann.Weeks@mof.gov.jm; Shakiel.Rochester-Shorter@mof.gov.jm