Inaugural book fair for student teachers at a Jamaican college

Author: BRYAN MILLER

Title: Moneague College Stages First Book Fair
Date published: 16 SEPTEMBER 2013
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/component/content/article/100-education/35034-moneague-college-stages-first-book-fair

Abstract:

Article reports on the inaugural book fair on the campus of a Jamaican college for teachers, where reading  and educational materials were on display from nine providers. College librarians among others are quoted as indicating the benefit of the fair in exposing student teachers to [local] educational materials that can support their work as teachers in the delivery of the curriculum.

Excerpt:

Meanwhile, librarian at the St Joseph's Teachers College in Kingston, Jackie Morris, said the event was useful for the students "to actually see what each book store holds and what they have on display, and what material they can get to support their curriculum".

"I think it is a very interesting book fair and it is something that I would want to adopt also," she stated.

Librarian at the Moneague College, Theresa Reid, explained that the event was held to enable students to access material for their courses.

"As you would imagine, with the economic situation, the libraries are not necessarily able to provide all the resources that the students need, and so based on demand we would want to encourage our students to get their own resources for their classes," she stated. She said the aim was to make the book fair an annual event.

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.

JA Gov't modifies tax decision on Printed materials

Title: Government Switches GCT on Some Items to Alcohol and Cigarettes
Source: Jamaica Information Service (JIS), KINGSTON
Date: Thursday, May 07, 2009

URL: http://jis.gov.jm/parliament/html/20090506t230000-0500_19516_jis_government_switches_gct_on_some_items_to_alcohol_and_cigarettes.asp


Abstract:

Government reverses tax decisions on printed materials, excluding newspapers. Tax on computers remain, but waivers granted to "approved" educational institutions.

JA Gov't tax books and computers

Author: Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
Title: Walker eases book stalemate
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Saturday | May 2, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090502/lead/lead6.html

Abstract:
Article reports on how the Government's announcement of a new tax on books complicated the clearance of books on the wharves, and the intervention of the Commissioner of Customs to ignore the application of new taxes until a list of books that are tax-exempted is provided. The article also reports on the concerns of the Book Industry Association over the new tax and how they fear that publishers and book dealers may go out of business due to this move. Finally the article also remarks on the Government's decision to charge tax on computers and the justification behind doing so.

Excerpt:

COMMISSIONER OF Customs Danville Walker yesterday gave instructions for books currently on the wharves to be cleared under the existing rules until the new guidelines for general consumption tax (GCT) on books are finalised

The Government last week announced that GCT would now be applied to books and other printed material, which are not educational or religious. The tax was to take effect on Monday.

However, concerns were expressed by the Customs Brokers' Association that books have been languishing on the wharves since Monday because there was a confusion on which books would be taxed.

UWI Press Shines at BIAJ Award Ceremony

Title: UWI Press Shines at BIAJ Award Ceremony
Date Posted: April 06, 2009
Source: Public Relations Office of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus [Press release]
URL: http://myspot.mona.uwi.edu/proffice/uwinotebook/entry/3500

Excerpt:

At the 10th Biennial Book Industry of Jamaica National Book Award Ceremony held recently, the University of the West Indies Press, its authors and staff received a record number of awards

Abstract:

The press release reports on the 10th Biennial Book Industry of Jamaica National Book Award Ceremony held recently. At this ceremony, the University of the West Indies Press, its authors and staff received a number of awards, which are identified in the press release.

Scarce information is available about the National Book Awards of the Book Industry Association. The press release however covers the purpose of the National Book Awards which is to recognize publishing excellence in Jamaica.

Additional information is given about UWI Press history of receiving awards for its publications.