Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects to Kiribati » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)» Speech

Handing-Over of Maneaba Project

Speech by Mr. Tatsushi Matsuo, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, 9th July, 2008, Tarawa, Kiribati

Mauri! (Hello)       

I am deeply honored and privileged to represent the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Masashi Namekawa, in the official opening of the Maneaba for Betio Old Men, Old Women and Middle Aged Association for the people of Betio Community. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to me this afternoon.

This Maneaba will be the place which provides the venue for wisdom and knowledge, from the respectable middle aged and the senior citizens to flow across the community of Betio through discussions and meetings. It may, one day, be the place to produce answers for community development and for other social matters concerning the community. The Maneaba may also address global concerns such as environmental destruction, poverty, free trade, AIDS and so on. It is also anticipated that it will provide various opportunities for people in the community to host functions and feasts which means that this Maneaba will undertake an important role that will bring the people of Betio closer together, foster deeper understanding and cooperation, which will in turn build a stronger sense of community development. Community effort is a powerful tool for growth and prosperity indeed.

Japan’s assistance to Kiribati is in line with its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project Programme which prioritizes the development of basic facilities and is significant in the assistance to people at the grassroots level. On a broader scale, it will support Kiribati in its advance towards nation-building and progress.

Finally, I wish to sincerely thank all those who have contributed through their efforts for the successful completion of this project and I hope that this Maneaba will be responsibly maintained and employed over its maximum useful life. 

Furthermore, I hope that the friendship between the people and governments of Japan and Kiribati will continue to flourish.

With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I officially hand over the newly built Maneaba or Community Hall to Betio Old Men, Old Women and Middle Aged Association.

Ko rabwa (Thank you).

Bilateral Relations »Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects to Kiribati » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)