This announcement was made following bilateral meetings held in Tokyo during the hosting of the Second Japan-Caricom Foreign Ministers Conference in early September.

The grant assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects is designed to support projects proposed by such bodies as nongovernmental organizations and local government authorizes.

The nonrefundable financial assistance under the Grass-roots assistance scheme will provide timely support for development projects that have a direct impact on the well-being of individuals in communities.

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. the Hon. W. Baldwin Spencer expressed his appreciation for the new area of cooperation with Japan following many years of dialogue regarding Antigua and Barbuda eligibility for Overseas Development Aid under this scheme.

Antigua and Barbuda's Ambassador accredited to Japan, His Excellency, Anthony Liverpool, said that support will be provided for projects relating to primary health care, education, poverty relief, public welfare and the environment.