On August 2, 2019, Ambassador Tatsuo Hirayama hosted a send-off reception for the new participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme at his official residence. This year, there were fifteen (15) participants in the JET Programme, with fourteen (14) participants from Trinidad and Tobago and one (1) participant from St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
At the reception, Ambassador Hirayama congratulated the departing JET participants who were in attendance and encouraged them to learn Japanese culture in various parts of Japan and to join the efforts to bridge between Japan and the Caribbean.
Ambassador Hirayama also took the opportunity to announce that the Foreign Minister of Japan’s commendation will be conferred to the Centre for Language Learning, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, for its outstanding contributions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago.
Following Ambassador Hirayama remarks, Mr. Lawrence Inniss, President of the JET Alumni Association in Trinidad and Tobago (JETAATT), congratulated the 2019 JET participants and wished them well on their journey ahead. He noted that this year will mark the 15th Anniversary that Trinidad and Tobago been taking part in the JET Programme.
Each of the JET participants then individually gave remarks, expressing their gratitude to the Japanese government and conveying their expectations for the coming year on the JET Programme. Following their presentations, Ambassador Hirayama was presented with a token from the JET Participants.
During the reception, the new JET participants enjoyed an opportunity to share their goals with representatives of the JETAATT and the UWI, who were also in attendance.
