On 12 November 2025, His Excellency Dr Akima Umezawa, Ambassador of Japan, announced the appointment of Dr Nicole Phillip as Grenada’s first Honorary Consul of Japan.
Dr Phillip, Acting Director of the University of The West Indies Global Campus in St George’s, brings a distinguished background in history and academic leadership.
The announcement coincided with celebrations marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between Grenada and Japan — a partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared vision. Over the past 5 decades, Japan has supported Grenada in education, disaster resilience, agriculture, and technical training, while Grenada has embraced cultural and academic exchange.
The ceremony, hosted by Ambassador Umezawa at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic and honorary consular corps, and other distinguished guests.
Ambassador Umezawa described the appointment as a significant step in deepening the 50-year friendship, calling the anniversary a “Golden Jubilee.” He highlighted milestones in bilateral cooperation, including Grenada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan’s support for sargassum countermeasures, and initiatives in vocational training initiatives, and cultural exchanges.
Dr Phillip expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to strengthen ties between the 2 nations for the next 50 years.
As part of the celebrations, on 13 November, the embassy hosted a musical concert featuring the Japanese Bamboo Flute alongside the National School Orchestra, showcasing cultural harmony between the 2 nations.
Acting Foreign Minister Sen. the Hon. Adrian Thomas, noted during the anniversary concert: “We gather in celebration of a remarkable milestone — 50 years of friendship, cooperation, and shared values. May the next 50 years bring even more opportunities for cultural exchange, innovation, and collaboration.”
He also congratulated Dr Phillip on behalf of the Government and People of Grenada, commending her service in education and leadership, and reaffirmed Grenada’s commitment to advancing cultural and economic ties with Japan.
Office of the Prime Minister
