The Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center celebrates the Japanese Government Funds Project for Extension of a Skill Training Center in Antigua and Barbuda.  This is the second project awarded by the People of Japan to the GARD Center.
The signing ceremony for the Grant Assistance for the Grass-roots Human Security Project (GGP) entitled “The Project for Extension of a Skill Training Center for Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center” took place at 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2015, at Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center (GARD Center), Nature Park, Mercers Creek, Antigua and Barbuda.
Ms. Jacqueline Yearwood, a GARD Center Board Member, was the Master of Ceremonies and extended a warm welcome to those present. The Ceremony was opened with a word of prayer by Rev. Patmore Henry, Secretary, to the Methodist Church.  Mrs. Roberta Williams, Executive Director of the Center, spoke about the Background of the Project and remarks were offered by, Rev. Otto Wade, President, Methodist Conference; His Excellency, Anthony Liverpool, Non-Resident Ambassador of Antigua & Barbuda to Japan and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hon. Melford Nicholas, and the Minister of Information, Telecommunications, Science and Technology; along with Mr. Takafumi Ura, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan.
After these speeches, there was a Ground Breaking Ceremony, during which Mr. Ura, Rev. Wade and Mr. Nicholas turned the sod where the new building would be erected.
The Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center received a grant of up to US$100,525 from the Government of Japan for the extension of their Skills Development Center which seeks to enhance the existing training and development activities offered, while also providing increased opportunities for vulnerable youth in Antigua and Barbuda.
In his speech, Mr. Ura highlighted that “through the compliance and execution of the project initiatives, the programme will have a wider effect through the community and by extension the society. This expansion will allow for overall improvement of the current facilities which can yield better output services provided to these vulnerable students.”
Mr. Ura also stated that the Government of Japan welcomes further opportunities to work with the Government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda, all with a view to strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual understanding which exist between the two countries.