SOME Japanese experts in various fields are currently in Guyana to lend their expertise towards this country’s development.
The five professionals are Dr. Makiko Michmoto, Associate Professor, Faculty of Human Studies, Taisei Gakuin University; Volunteer Coordinator of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Tetsuji Nakasone; paediatrician Sanyodo Matsubara Hospital and Lecturer, Faculty of Nursing, School of Medicine, Kagawa University, Dr. Saburo Shibazaki; Dr. Yukihiro Ishikawa, of Tottori University and President of Terra Corporation, Sato Yarai.
They were all present, last Wednesday, at the handing over of 35 solar water pumping systems by Japan’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Tatsuaki Iwata, on behalf of the Government of Japan, to Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) at its  Corporate Complex, Church Street and Vlissengen Roads, Georgetown.
Iwata said the presentation is the result of an agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Japan to send some senior volunteer experts in specific fields.
The envoy said, every year it is negotiated and persons in the agreed fields are chosen by the JICA and dispatched to the beneficiary countries.
He said, usually, the stints would last for between three and six months but Japan is now planning to extend the period.
Iwata said volunteers are sent to many but some countries are not suitable, according to the reports they get when the missions return.
However, Guyana is always rated highly.
The diplomat said the volunteers are satisfied with their work and feel they did a lot to transfer technology, expertise and knowledge.
Iwata said Japanese nationals are working in Guyana to transfer technology in various sectors such as health, agriculture and water.
He is aware that transfer of technology and expertise is core for development of any economy and society and added: “I hope our experts from Japan will make as much contribution to the development of this country.’
Iwata said pledged support the activities in this country and asked for reciprocity.
Highlighting their activities, Dr. Ishikawa said he is working with the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) and the main focus is on how to process mango and other fruits and root crops.
He said he is presently engaged in related research and has also been requested, by private companies, to prepare some rice products.
Dr. Michimoto, who is attached to the Ministry of Health, said she has been asked to make suggestions for improving the services.

SURVEY
She said, last year, she conducted a survey on four regional hospitals and compared the services provided by them and made several suggestions.
Michimoto said she came back this year to do another study to make more feasible and attainable suggestions to the Health Ministry through additional surveys at private hospitals.
“I hope I can be of any help to improve your health services,” she said.
Dr. Shibazaki, a senior volunteer at Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), disclosed that he plans to conduct some paediatric seminars there.
“I hope to do something good for children’s health in Guyana and also for a good friendship between Guyana and Japan,” he said.
Yarai, an expert in water supply service and sewerage systems said he is very happy to have the opportunity to collaborate with GWI on improving water works management.
Nakasone said, since last year, JICA began sending senior Japanese volunteers for short terms and the agency hopes to increase the number in future to contribute somehow to the development of the Guyanese economy.
At the handing over, Minister of Housing and Water, Mr. Irfaan Ali acknowledging the assistance, said it is a very important issue for small developing countries like Guyana where the advancement of technology and modernisation are critical components for development.
“We can have all the equipment and machinery to take us there but, if we don’t have the most important human technical skills to advance the process, then, of course, all of this can be of no use,” he conceded.
He thanked JICA for the technical cooperation with human resources from which the water sector is also benefitting.
“We are most grateful and that asset has definitely worked towards improvement of the sector,” Ali reported.
He said the relationship that Guyana shares with Japan extends beyond the water sector and alluded to evidence that would have transformed not only the infrastructural landscape of the country but assisted tremendously in the improvement of services and betterment of living conditions.
“These are all evidence of the great and elaborate partnership between the governments of Guyana and Japan,” Ali confirmed.