The program provides up to US$60,000 in grant funding for projects that will support the development of various sectors other than tourism.

Australian High Commission Policy and Research Officer, Gwendolene Roberts, engaged members of the community last week, to discuss the Australian government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP).

The DAP is a small grants program focused on supporting small-scale development projects and activities.

Gwendolene Roberts said the purpose of the initiative is to assist communities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in improving individuals, communities and districts within the OECS region.

“Some of the areas which we are particularly concerned with are health, agriculture and economic diversification, because we realize that many islands are heavily based on tourism,” she said.

Ms. Roberts also highlighted the objective of the Direct Aid Program in the OECS.

“We are hoping with the projects that we undertake in the various islands, that persons may look into doing projects that can assist young persons, vulnerable groups, and the unemployed in finding a way to move away from being mainly tourist-based to finding other creative and unique ways in which they can support the development of the various economies.”

Applicants are eligible to apply for up to US$60,000 in grant funds under this program.