On Thursday 2 August 2012, His Excellency hosted a farewell reception at his residence for six participants of the JET Programme. The six participants for 2012 are as follows: from Trinidad and Tobago - Ms. Kavita Premchan, Mr. Runako Thornhill, Ms. Crystal Washington, Ms. Giselle Williams, Ms. Tsai Ann Quan Kep, and from Barbados- Ms. Alexis Kinch.
In attendance were the Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ms. Delia Chatoor, Mr. Audley Walker, Honorary Consul for Barbados, academic representatives from the Centre for Language Learning at the UWI and the COSTAATT, and members of the media.
In his speech, Ambassador Tezuka spoke of the good relations between Japan and Trinidad and Tobago, referring to the popularity of the steelpan in Japan. He also assured participants that Japan has since recovered from the earthquake and tsunami of last year, which is now resulting in a change in perspective among the Japanese people. He extended best wishes to the participants and encouraged them to develop the mutual relations between both countries.
Ms. Delia Chatoor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded the JETs of their role as national Ambassadors and encouraged them to represent their country to the best of their abilities. She highlighted the many significant milestones achieved between both countries since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1964.
Ms. Giselle Williams, a representative for the JET participants, spoke of her anxiety leading up to the final selection of candidates and shared expectations of her stay in Japan.
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Embassy of Japan in Trinidad and Tobago 