Jamaican public libraries get children books on epilespy

Author: By Rochelle Williams
Title: NHF Provides $51.8 Million in Drug Subsidy for Epileptics
Date published: February 11, 2015
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/nhf-provides-51-8-million-drug-subsidy-epileptics/

Abstract:
Article reports on the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) receiving 500 children books on epilepsy from  the National Health Fund (NHF). The NHF Chief Executive Officer, Everton Anderson, is reported stating that this donation of books is intended at changing cultural attitudes towards persons living with epilepsy. Also stated is the total cost of the books donated to the island-wide public library network.

Excerpt:

Mr. Anderson was addressing a function held on February 9, at the Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) Tom Redcam Drive headquarters in Kingston, where 500 children’s books on epilepsy were handed over to the JLF. 

The NHF provided $360,000 for the purchase of the books, which will be distributed through the JLS’ island-wide library network.

Entitled ‘Way to Go, Flash,’ the publications are intended to raise awareness of epilepsy and help to lower the stigma against children and adults with the condition. Epilepsy is one of 15 chronic health conditions covered by the NHF.

New Jamaican initiative in family literacy aimed to get parent reading to babies

Author: Athaliah Reynolds, JIS Reporter
Title: PM Encourages Parents, Particularly Fathers, To Read with Children
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date: MONDAY, 19 DECEMBER 2011
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/opm-news/29481-pm-encourages-parents-particularly-fathers-to-read-with-children

Abstract:
The article reports on a speech by the Prime Minister and Education Minister addressed to parents during a
handing over ceremony of Bookstart Jamaica ‘book packs’, at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) Paediatric Clinic, on Monday, December 19. What the Bookstart Jamaica project is about is outlined as well as the objectives of the programme and the vision for it to give parents and families a place in raising the literacy level of future students. Essentially the programme entails Jamaican parents of babies getting books from the government as part of an encouragement for parents to read to their children.


Excerpt:

Bookstart Jamaica is part of the Ministry of Education’s new family literacy initiative, which aims to create a nation of readers and encourage an early start to family literacy activities. Each Bookstart Jamaica ‘book pack’ has a locally developed board book suitable for infants, and information about the Jamaica Library Service, its locations and family programmes, including ‘We Likkle but We Tallawah’ - parents reading with infants and toddlers Bookstart Jamaica companion programme.

Mr. Holness noted that the programme was established as part of the Ministry’s National Literacy Strategy, as it was found that many Jamaican children were entering the school system unprepared.
“This places us at a disadvantage, because teachers now have to do the work that parents should have done as a natural part of their parenting responsibility. When we examined what was happening in the households, we realised that many parents did not understand the importance of early reading with their children,” the Prime Minister said.
He informed that the objective of Bookstart  is to provide parents with books at the earliest stage, “so that when the programme is fully implemented, every Jamaican child born in a hospital in Jamaica will be presented with a package.”

NCB donates books to Alpha Academy school library

Title: A time for reading
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, January 23, 2011
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-time-for-reading_8291356

Abstract:
Photograph with a brief caption showing the assistant branch manager for NCB Duke Street reading a copy of Souldance by Jean Lowrie Chin with Alpha Academy students, as NCB donated copies of the book and copies of Usain Bolt's biography, titled Usain Bolt 9.58 to the school's library.


Excerpt:
The NCB Foundation donated copies of Usain Bolt's biography, titled Usain Bolt 9.58, as well as Jean Lowrie-Chin's Souldance to the school's library.

Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/career/A-time-for-reading_8291356#ixzz1BuXpZnCM

Barbados Court library compromised

Author: Shawn Cumberbatch
Title: Court library compromised
Source: The Barbados Advocate
Date: 23 June, 2009

URL: http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=local&NewsID=4433

Abstract:

This article reports on the need for the training of librarians in book preservation. This issue came up out during the official opening of the 24th Annual General Meeting and seminar of the Caribbean Association of Law Librarians. The meeting took place at the Faculty of Law, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

The issues were higlighted by both Chief Justice Sir David Simmons and Attorney-General Freundel Stuart of Barbados. The two raised the issue that the premier law library of the island is suffering the destruction of library materials due to hostile environmental conditions. The article stresses the conclusion drawn that there is need for funding and training in preservation and conservation issues. In addition, Cumberbatch reports that the solution that the authorities will be pursuing to address the problem is to to secure funding from the Inter-American Development Bank for the project of library and library material restoration.



Excerpt:

ENVIRONMENTAL problems, including mould and fungus, have cost Barbados’ highest domestic court a “substantial” amount of its library material.

Chief Justice (CJ) Sir David Simmons disclosed yesterday that authorities were now looking to secure funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, as part of its Justice Improvement Programme with the island, to significantly restore the large volume of legal books and other important reading material housed in the 278-year-old Supreme Court library.

PM responds to 5 year-old's plea for a library

Author: Dunkley, Alicia
Title: "PM responds to 5 year-old's plea for a library"
Source: Jamaica Observer (jamaicaobserver.com)
Date Published: Monday, June 08, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090608T020000-0500_153049_OBS_PM_RESPONDS_TO___YEAR_OLD_S_PLEA_FOR_A_LIBRARY_.asp


Abstract:

A five-year-old lad who wrote a letter when he was four, requesting that the Prime Minister (PM) sponsored his school a school library gets his desire. The PM responds donating 400 books to the school for a school library. The PM also pledged to give further assistance for the establishment of a "proper library".

Excerpt:

Jaiden's latest exploit was a letter authored by him when he was four years old with a plea powerful enough to bring Jamaica's Prime Minister Bruce Golding to his school in Freetown, Clarendon with 400 books in tow last Friday.

Up to then, everyone but Jaiden had forgotten about the letter, which his parents had posted just to humour him.

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.

National Library Developing Digital Audio Books for Visually Impaired

Title: National Library Developing Digital Audio Books for Visually Impaired
Source: KINGSTON, Jamaica Information Service (JIS):
Date Published: Thursday, April 30, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/officepm/html/20090430t010000-0500_19425_jis_national_library_developing_digital_audio_books_for_visually_impaired_.asp


Excerpt:
The National Library of Jamaica is developing Digital Audio Books for visually impaired Jamaicans.

The new format will assist visually impaired persons who are unable to access research or recreational material, other than by Braille, because of the unavailability of Digital Audio Books and material.

Executive Director of the National Library, Winsome Hudson, made the disclosure at a recent JIS Think Tank news briefing in Kingston.

Abstract:
In this article the Director of National Library of Jamaica (NLJ) explains of plans to create Digital Audio Books for the visually impaired to support them in secondary and tertiary education. The article details the proposals, indicating how the project will be funded, the model to be followed, the partners to be involved and some of the problems encountered. The reasons why the project is being pursued is also highlighted.

JA company book programme supports literacy goals

Title: Jamalco book programme supports literacy goals
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Sunday | April 12, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090412/arts/arts4.html


Excerpt:

Jamalco has been commended by the Ministry of Education and the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) for its ongoing investment in Jamaica's education system through its continued donation of books to educational institutions islandwide.

The commendations came at a ceremony to mark the 28th anniversary of the Jamalco book programme and the start of the 2009 book drive at the Clarendon-based bauxite/alumina refinery, on Wednesday, April 8.

The book project has been organised by Jamalco since 1981 to assist educational institutions in acquiring supplemental textbooks for their libraries and for classroom use.

Abstract:

An article reporting on an anniversary event for Jamalco, with comments about the company's book programmes and how useful it has been to the national literacy and reading development. The article demonstrates that the company has been involved in and is committed to national book distribution for Jamaica on a non-profit basis. Comments reveal that Jamalco's work in national book distribution has benefited educational establishments and libraries in particular.

Jamaican High school get books from UK philanthropists

Author: Gareth Manning
Title: Donation is music to ears of Seaview
Date Published: Friday | April 3, 2009
Source: Jamaican Gleaner
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090403/ent/ent3.html

Excerpt:

A broad smile instantly replaced the plain look on principal Elaine Jones' face as members of the Thomas House Music House, a registered not-for-profit organi-sation in England, placed some educational material on the table in the lounge of the Seaview Gardens Primary School.

"Oh thank you, thank you," she said with gratitude. "There is no way we would have ever been able to afford all of this."

Abstract:

An article reporting on the philanthropic efforts of Thomas House Music House, a registered not-for-profit organisation in England, in donating books to Seaview Gardens Primary School. Captured also is the principal's response.

Jamaican Bauxite company lauded for sustaining book project

Title: Bauxite company lauded for sustaining book project
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: Saturday | April 11, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090411/news/news2.html


Excerpt:

The Ministry of Education and the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) recently commended Jamalco for its ongoing investment in Jamaica's education system through its continued donation of books to institutions island wide.

The commendations came at a ceremony to mark the 28th anniversary of the Jamalco book programme and the start of the 2009 book distribution drive at the Clarendon-based bauxite/alumina refinery on Wednesday.

Jamalco has been organising the book project since 1981 to assist educational institutions get additional textbooks for libraries and for the classroom.

Abstract:

The article provides information about the Jamalco book programme. Also in the article, a summary of some of the speeches delivered at the ceremony marking the 28th anniversary of the programme and the launch of the 2009 book distribution drive at the Clarendon-based bauxite/alumina refinery. Among the speeches delivered are comments from both the Ministry of Education and the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) giving commendations to Jamalco for its donation of books to institutions island wide.

Linguist launches T&T English/Creole dictionary

Author: Michelle Loubon
Title: Linguist launches English/Creole dictionary
Source: The Trinidad Guardian
Date Published: April 15, 2009
URL: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2009/04/15/linguist-launches-englishcreole-dictionary

Excerpt:

Canadian linguist and lexicographer Dr Lise Winer embarked upon a 35-year journey to archive [Trinidad and Tobago's] indigenous expressions for posterity. She found the dazzling array of words, Soca Warriors, and colourful figures of speech “spinning top in mud,” were little windows through which T&T could archive its literary heritage. Winer’s work culminated with the launch the Dictionary of English/Creole of Trinidad and Tobago at Nalis Audio Visual Room, at Hart and Abercromby Streets, Port-of-Spain, on March 23. The dictionary bore the national colours—red, white and black.

“The Creole dictionary is a new tool to embrace and appreciate our language and history.” - Jeannette Elias, manager of corporate communications at the National Gas Company (NGC);

“Too often small countries are seen as not having anything significant on the global stage. I like the way people here think, metaphorically and proverbially,” - Dr Lise Winer

Abstract:
The article reports on book launch for the new indigenous dictionary of Trinidad and Tobago's language. Most of the article covers the author's experiences with and thoughts on the Trinbagonian language.

The article also raised the issue of the preservation and recording of Trinidad and Tobago's oral and literary tradition. Praises for Dr. Winer's work were issued by a number of speakers who saw this dictionary on Trinidad and Tobago's linguistic expressions and words as a means of documenting the nation's language.

Attending the launch were two Caribbean librarians, Annette Wallace, executive director at Nalis and, UWI campus librarian Jennifer Joseph.

Jamaican Grandma tells of her lifelong affair with books

Author: Petrina Francis

Title: Grandma's forever love - 77-y-o tells of her lifelong affair with books

Source: Jamaica Gleaner

Date Published: Tuesday, April 7, 2009


URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090407/lead/lead2.html


Excerpt:

Douglas last year outperformed her peers in the Jamaica Library Service's reading competition and walked away with the organisation's 60th anniversary prize in the 60-and-over category.

"I love reading from I was small. Reading gives a lot of information that you can't get from anywhere else," Douglas told The Gleaner last Friday during an interview at the St Thomas Parish Library, which she visits at least once every two weeks to borrow books.

Abstract:

Feature article on a septuagenarian patron of the public library that won the national reading competition in her category.

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.

Bookmobile prison program launches in USVI

Author: Susan Mann, Caribbean Net News US Virgin Islands Correspondent

Title: Bookmobile prison program launches in USVI

Date Published: Thursday, March 19, 2009

URL: http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/usvi/usvi.php?news_id=15064&start=0&category_id=19

Excerpt:

The US Virgin Islands Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Corrections and the Office of the Governor will conduct a pilot program on both islands utilizing the St Thomas and the St Croix bookmobiles.

Abstract:

The article discusses the plans to introduce a bookmobile library service to inmates in US Virgin Island prisons. Specifically spoken of is the pilot project. Aims of the service include providing participants with access vast library resources "which would encourage and promote reading, literacy, self-help and lifelong learning". “The inmates will also receive library cards, an orientation of the bookmobile services, and will be able to check out books."

B'dos Librarian calls for more local writing in sports

Title: Bajans told: Write more
Source: Barbadian Nation News
Date: February 08, 2009

URL: http://tinyurl.com/c9q766

Excerpt from source:

THERE IS A NEED for more Barbadians to write on their experiences, especially in the area of sport.

This point was made by Sandra Boyce, acting senior librarian at the National Library Service, at a presentation of the book Called To Serve - Memoirs Of A Table Tennis Champion and written by Pat Quintyne Hildebrand, to the national library on Thursday.

Abstract:
Sandra Boyce, acting senior librarian at the National Library Service called for the nation to produce more indigenous writing in the area of sports. This article reports on her call for the need to enrich the social history of Barbados with the writings of locals.

Information is also given about the event in which the Librarian made her request, at a book deposit to the National Library in fulfillment of the requirements of the Legal Deposit Act.

US Embassy adds to school library’s collection

AUTHOR: Melissa Bryant
TITLE: US Embassy adds to local library’s collection
SOURCE: SKNVibes.com
DATE: Tuesday 06 January, 2009
URL: http://www.sknvibes.com/News/NewsDetails.cfm/7992


ABSTRACT:
US embassy donates some resources (encyclopaedias) to a school library in Barbados. This author reports on the presentation and handing over ceremony.