Jamaican librarians urged to facilitate discussion on logistics hub

Author: Alphea Saunders
Title: Libraries Urged to Facilitate Discussion on Logistics Hub
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published: January 31, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/libraries-urged-facilitate-discussion-logistics-hub/


Abstract:
The article reports on a speech delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Elaine Foster Allen, given at the opening of the two-day Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)/Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) conference on January 30, at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston. At that event, the Mrs. Foster Allen urged libraries to assume the role of being a place for Jamaicans to seek and hear discussion on the Jamaica logistics hub initiative. The Permanent Secretary also informed her audience about the Education Ministry's plan to re-establish an education broadcasting service. Mrs. Foster Allen also called on librarians to play a role in ensuring access to this planned service.

Some details are provided about this education broadcasting service including the use of available space for public broadcasting on cable television and the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ). Also mentioned is the use of the Jamaica Library Service, which is the largest single provider of free access to computers, the Internet and all the resources that are available.
Also reported is the remarks of the President of the LIAJA, Matthew Blake, about how the conference. Finally, mentioned also in brief is the theme of the conference and some of the topics for discussion.

Expert:

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Elaine Foster Allen, has urged libraries to open up the public discussion on the Jamaica logistics hub initiative, as more Jamaicans seek information about this major development project.

She said because of their location in communities, libraries are ideally placed to be focal points for discussion, debates, discourse, and information on national development issues.

“I have heard lots of people talking about the logistics hub…the library is well positioned to point people in the direction of what they need to know,” she stated.

Mrs. Foster Allen was speaking at the opening of the two-day Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)/Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) conference on January 30, at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston.

Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched

Title [of Press Rease]: Caribbean Freedom of Information Network launched at Landmark Conference
Alternative title: 11 Caribbean Countries Meet to Discuss Freedom of Information Laws in the Region
Date published: March 22, 2013
Source: World Resources Institute

URL: http://www.wri.org/press/2013/03/release-caribbean-freedom-information-network-launched-landmark-conference


Abstract:
This article or press release announces the outcome and decision of an event (a two-day conference) held in Kingston, Jamaica where 11 Caribbean countries met to discuss matters relating to freedom of information legislation in the region. Commonwealth Caribbean nations with legislation pending, plus those with legislation implemented are noted.

The press release also reportedly quotes from the persons of Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Danielle Andrade, Legal Director of the Jamaica Environment Trust, stating why such legislation is important, useful and beneficial to citizens. Also reported are the sponsors behind the funding and staging of the conference, as well as participants.


Excerpt:

For the first time, Caribbean governments and civil society have come together to discuss access to information, public participation in governance, and access to justice at a landmark conference held in Kingston, Jamaica. Representatives from 11 Caribbean countries attended the “Regional Conference on Freedom of Information in the Caribbean: Improving Management for the Environment.”

At the close of the two-day conference on March 21, 2013, governments, civil society, and media announced the decision to launch a Caribbean network on freedom of information to support processes to improve standards for access to information in the region.

Dr. Carolyn Gomes, chairperson of the Access to Information Advisory Stakeholders’ Committee and Executive Director of Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) said, “freedom of information is the most powerful tool for ordinary citizens to arm themselves with the information they need to change their lives. Launching this freedom of information network will build opportunities for collaboration, learning and capacity building among information commissioners, civil society and media across the region.”

Disapperance of 1985-1992 parliamentary records in Guyana

Title: Disappearance of parliamentary records not deliberate -Ramkarran
Source: Stabroek
Date: Sunday, August 26, 2012
URL:  http://www.stabroeknews.com/2012/news/stories/08/26/disappearance-of-parliamentary-records-not-deliberate/

Abstract:
This article makes the revelation that transcripts recording Guyana's parliamentary activities and proceedings for the period of 1985 to 1992 are missing.  Featured in the article is the former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran confirming the missing records, but denying that the gap is intentional.

Excerpt:

Former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran has acknowledged gaps in the parliamentary records but dismisses any assertions that their disappearance is deliberate, saying that it was under his stewardship that programmes commenced to bring the records up to date.

This follows revelations from Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs and his predecessor Frank Narain as to what might have happened to transcripts for the period 1985 to 1992.