Indian High Commission proposes Gandhi section at National Library in Port-of-Spain

Author: Paras Ramoutar

Title: T&T observes Gandhi’s death anniversary

Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian

Date published: 31 Jan 2010

URL: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2010/01/31/tt-observes-gandhi-s-death-anniversary

Abstract:
The article reports on some of the cultural activities, tributes and memorials in Trinidad and Tobago in recognition of the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The report also entails outlines of a proposal by the Indian High Commission in the twin island republic, to establish a section at the National Library. This proposed section will feature collections on Gandhi supplied and financed by the Indian High Commission.


Excerpt:

"The Indian High Commission has proposed that a Gandhi section be established at the National Library in Port-of-Spain. “The High Commission is willing to provide additional books, documentaries, papers to enrichen the library on the works, philosophy and writings of Gandhi,” according to Indian High Commissioner Shri Malay Mishra at the presentation of more than 100 books to Minister of Information Neil Parsanlal, yesterday, at the National Library."

Jamaican copyright violations robbing authors and publishers

Author: HG HELPS Editor-at-Large Investigative Coverage Unit icu AT jamaicaobserver.com

Title: Copy cats robbing book industry: Authors, publishers losing millions to people who photocopy material

Source: Jamaica Observer

Date published: Sunday, January 31, 2010

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Book-industry


Abstract:
This article reports on perceptions of the status of copyright infringements in Jamaica. The effect of the infringements on Jamaican publishing industry is also mentioned, with a number of publishers and members of the book industry giving their perspective on the matter.

The Jamaican copyright law is also discussed while juxtaposed with the journalist's report on blatant infringements and violations of the law. The main perpetrators of the wholesale photocopying of books are said to be within the education sector. Also discussed are the initiatives to prevent against copyright as well as the lack of action taken to curb the violations. Reasons for the violations are also given.

Excerpt:

"It is estimated that thousands of students engage in the activity, although many of them are not aware of the dangers involved and the possible consequences.

But photocopying of copyrighted material has become commonplace in the Jamaican education sector, moreso at the tertiary level, leaving those who produce and distribute the material financially battered and defeated

Authors of books and those who publish the material are particularly and directly affected, as they estimate that hundreds of millions of dollars, which would normally have landed in their bank accounts, are instead fattening the pockets of education pirates in many instances.

Jamaica Music Museum Update: Controversial but contemporary collection

Author: Mel Cooke
Title: Non-exclusionary approach taken to museum, Dermott Hussey donates entire collection
Date Published: Sunday | January 17, 2010

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100117/ent/ent7.html


Abstract:

The article reports on some of the comments made by the curator, and Jamaica Music Museum director, Herbie Miller during a tour of the Jamaica Music Museum exhibition. Miller shares in this article's report the mission of the museum and how controversial some of its collections and items are. The article reports on some of the items that were donated to the music museum and its donors. It also documents some of the comments and reactions made by visitors to the museum.


Excerpt:

The last and latest Jamaican music genre in the mini-exhibition on Jamaican music is dancehall. It is written that "perhaps the most controversial and polarising genre of Jamaican music, dancehall, currently dominates the island's musical landscape".

While walking through with The Sunday Gleaner, Jamaica Music Museum director Herbie Miller said, "that's why a museum is so important. We are not just looking at the past. We are looking at the present and the future." At this dancehall stop, he points out to The Sunday Gleaner that many people did not like ska, which is now considered classic. Similarly, many people did not like reggae, which is now called the golden age of Jamaican music.

"Our duty as a museum is to collect it all, whether we like it or not. Let future scholars look at it and figure out what it means. Who knows? The world may develop in a way that what is seen as negative now will be seen as positive," Miller said, singing a few lines from Cole Porter's Anything Goes.

CHASE spends $21.5 million upgrading Jamaican libraries & archives

Author: KARYL WALKER Crime/Court Desk co-ordinator walkerk AT jamaicaobserver.com
Title: CHASE spends $21.5 million upgrading libraries, archives
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2009

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/160696_CHASE-spends--21-5-million-upgrading-libraries--archives

Abstract:
This article reports on a number initiatives funded by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund. The funds disbursed for 2009 amounted to $21.5 million for projects such as the upgrading of some 11 libraries and archives. Special mention is made of a project to digitise the historical of the former prime minister Edward Seaga. A brief report is also made of the digitization of some of the audio visual tapes of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation. Future plans to fund a project of digitization at the Institute of Jamaica is also mentioned.


Excerpt:

Digitisation of the historical records of former prime minister Edward Seaga.

Heaven said the fund was working on digitalising the records of not only Seaga, but would bring the entire library and archive system into the modern era.

He said the former state-owned Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation has recorded on outdated audio visual tapes important historical events which needed to be modernised in order to preserve the nation's history for generations to come.

"We are currently at the Institute of Jamaica updating their archives to make it current. You will also be able to see Mr Seaga's first budget presentation which was on a yellow sheet of paper. These will be accessible to not just the university but the entire population," Heaven said.

Plans for parish museum in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

Author: MARK CUMMINGS, Observer West senior reporter, cummingsm AT jamaicaobserver.com
Title: Black River Mayor raps sluggish local government reform
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date: Thursday, January 07, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/westernnews/Palmer-disappointed-7-01-10--PROOFED---3-_7294601

Abstract:
In this article, the Mayor of Black River, Jeremy Palmer, expresses disappointment with regards to how long the local government reform process is taking to effect planned programmes. His plans for Black River are outlined. One such plan includes the establishment of a local parish museum to feature the local history and culture of the parish. Plans for the funding of this initiative have been identified.

Excerpt:

Palmer said the council is working assiduously to establish a museum in the town of Black River next year.

" What we want to do is to set up a history museum which will have much of the culture and all of those things that are pertinent to the parish," he explained. "We have already identified a building and we have done a project document which has been submitted to TPDCo (Tourism Product Development Company) who are working with us to establish it," he added.

Jamaica Music Museum update

Author: Mel Cooke
Title:Jamaica Music Museum - a sample of what can be
Date Published: Sunday, January 17, 2010
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100117/ent/ent1.html

Abstract
Article reports on the state of the Jamaica Music Museum. Its mission is described. According to its main curator, the museum will contain sections that will chronicle the technological changes in instrument construction and music production and the changes in Jamaican music genres (thereby containing information on Jamaica's social history, technology and specifically about music history.


Excerpt

Herbie Miller stands near the middle of Jamaica's musical chronology in words, images and artefacts along the side of a partition at the Institute of Jamaica, downtown Kingston, and said "I like to call this our 22 yards of Jamaican music history."

That distance is, of course, the length of a cricket pitch, and the sport has its own rhythm. But the director of the Jamaica Music Museum is referring to another kind of rhythm, the music that is woven into the tapestry of Jamaican life.

Access to Jamaican business information improved in 2009

Author: Kadian Brown
Title: Priority on Strengthening MSME Sector
Source: JIS Bulletin Board 2009 Year in Review
Date Published: January 11, 2010
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/BulletinBoard/Bulletin-Jan-11-2010.pdf

Abstract:
This article looks back at some of the initiatives taken by the Jamaican government's Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce in 2009 to strengthen the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector, entrepreneurship, investment and commerce.

In particular, two of these initiatives involved establishing information centres throughout the island to provide better access to business information. These were the estbalishment of Export Centres/Business Information Points (ECBIP) and Jamaica
Business Information Centres (JAMBIC).

Excerpt:

The Ministry through the designated agencies, launched Export Centres/ Business Information Points (ECBIP) throughout the island. A partnership involving
the Jamaica Exporters’ Association (JEA), the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC) and Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), this project aims to positively impact national export performance and competitiveness, while providing
standardised business information.


To further boost business development and entrepreneurship, the JBDC opened Jamaica
Business Information Centres (JAMBIC) at the Small Business Association of
Jamaica (SBAJ) in Kingston; Northern Caribbean University in Manchester; Royal Mall in Port Antonio, Portland; and St. Ann Chamber of Commerce in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.

Haiti's National Library Withstands Earthquake

Author/From: Francoise Thybulle
Title/Subject: Re: [CDNL-L] Haiti
Date: Friday, January 15, 2010 4:05 pm
URL: http://d.yimg.com/kq/groups/15534696/853134108/name/untitled-


Abstract:

From an email discussion group, news have been received from the Director General of the National Library of Haiti, Françoise Beaulieu-Thybulle. Beaulieu-Thybulle declares that the library is still erect with dislocation of holdings and shelves. However the building is miraculously the only one erect in the area. The Director however reports on efforts to find out about employees to the Library to determine if all workers are alive.

Excerpt:

the building of the National library is safe,the shelves and holdings have shifted...we will prevail ... our building is the only one standing in the whole area...

I have not yet been able to locate all the personel,1/2 of them are safe we keep on checking


Françoise Beaulieu-Thybulle (MLIS)
Bibliothèque Nationale D’Haïti
Conservateur/Directeur Général
193, RUE DU CENTRE, PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI
Tél.:2221-2086

Jamaican School holds Read-A-Thon: Parents encouraged to read to toddlers

Title: Parents Urged to Develop Children's Reading Skills
Source: MANDEVILLE, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date published: Friday, December 31, 2010
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/education/html/20091231T190000-0500_22394_JIS_PARENTS_URGED_TO_DEVELOP_CHILDREN_S_READING_SKILLS.asp


Abstract

A Jamaican school, Green Park Primary and Junior High School in Sandy Bay, Clarendon, held a Read-A-Thon and Spell-A-Thon. The competition culminated with an awards ceremony where participants received certificates and the top performers received trophies. The article also gives a synopsis on a speech delivered by an educator, Dr. Jean Beaumont, who urges Jamaican Parents to play their active role in development of their children’s literacy skills. Beaumont advocates that Jamaican parents read to their children before school age and get them interested from early in words and letter recognition. This Beaumont declares will serve as the foundation of academic success in adulthood.


Excerpt:

Educator, Dr. Jean Beaumont, is imploring parents to work with their children to develop their reading skills.

The awards ceremony was held to recognise the 40 students, who participated in the school's Read-A-Thon and Spell-A-Thon competitions.

Certificates were presented to all the participants, with the top three finishers in each segment also awarded medals and trophies for outstanding performance.