ST GEORGE, Grenada — Grenada Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has sought assistance from Japan in the areas of renewable energy and environment protection, according to a report from the Eastern Caribbean nation.

Thomas discussed the areas of cooperation with the new Japanese Ambassador, Yoshimasa Tezuka, during a visit to the Prime Minister’s office, following his presentation of credentials to Governor General, Sir Carlyle Glean, a statement from the PM's office said.

“We are well positioned to access clean renewable energy from the wind and the sun, however we lack the relevant technology that will enable us to utilise these elements to meet our energy needs. We know that Japan has the technology and this can be a significant benefit to us,” the Prime Minister told the Japanese Ambassador.

Prime Minister Thomas also sought Japan’s involvement in rebuilding a sand-stone reef system at Bathway, in St Patrick, a major aspect of Grenada’s tourism product  in the north of the island.  He disclosed that a feasibility study is being undertaken that will provide the required data to the Japanese government.

The Japanese envoy took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Thomas on the historic gold medal performance of Kirani James at the London Olympics.