Jamaican rural community gets two new libraries

Author: [ST JAMES, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)]
Title: Two Trelawny communities get new libraries
Source: The Jamaica Observer
Date published: Sunday, May 17, 2015

URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Two-Trelawny-communities-get-new-libraries

Abstract:

The article announces the opening of the Falmouth Infant School Library and the Clarks Town Branch Library in rural Jamaica. The cost of and the source of funds responsible for establishing the facilities are reported. Also reported are facts about the newly constructed facilities including what they offer in terms of equipment.

Speeches are reported from the official opening by Minister Derrick Kellier and Minister of Education, Rev Ronald Thwaites. Minister Kellier is reported as arguing that public libraries have become even more relevant and possess a critical role to play in Jamaica's development by providing access to crucial information sources to foster proper and wise decision-making. Minister Thwaites is reported as urging residents to take care of and make full use of the library facilities and resources.

Excerpt:

The newly constructed Falmouth Infant School Library will serve 220 students and is equipped with reading and information material, new technologies including electronic games, interactive software, multimedia projector, and a television.

In Clarks Town, the multi-purpose facility features a research centre, computer room, meeting room, kitchenette, store room, an office, lunch room, staff and public bathrooms.

In addition to providing traditional library services, the centre will also offer free computer and Internet access, as well as adult literacy, computer training and the High School Equivalency Diploma programme.

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.

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.

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.

Jamaican Minister of Education calls for libraries to emphasize reading as a family activity

Author: Minister of Education, Hon. Andrew Holness
Title:HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION'S PARENT MONTH MESSAGE NOVEMBER 2009
Source Jamaica Information Service
Date: Monday, November 02, 2009
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/MinSpeeches/html/20091102T110000-0500_21728_JIS_HON__MINISTER_OF_EDUCATION_S_PARENT_MONTH_MESSAGE_NOVEMBER_2009.asp

Abstract
The Jamaican Minister of Education this month calls for libraries and schools to emphasize reading as a family activity. The Minister of Education in his Parent Month's message for November invites libraries and schools to find innovative ways of getting families to read or work on developing literacy skills in their children. The Minister of Education also outlines some of the plans for the month, including the Jamaica Library Service hosting a National Reading Fair. The emphasis or the aim for this Parent month is to encourage parents to assist schools and libraries in the literacy development of their children.



Excerpt
During this Parent Month, being staged under the theme - Parent the Right Way - Read with Your Child Every Day - we are asking all of our schools, libraries, churches and civic organizations to stress the importance of family literacy. We encourage you to stage family literacy events inviting parents to sit with their children and explore a book together.

We are asking you to encourage families to join the Library Service and make visits to the local library a regular family event. We are asking you to find creative ways to increase the amount of print material available at school and in the community - maybe do a project where inspirational words are printed on walkways. Model reading in school, ensure that parents model reading at home. Create word trees by writing vocabulary words from stories on card paper and hanging them from trees in your yard. At school create class books where each child makes up a line of a story and illustrates their words. Have students read their stories to the other classes. Dedicate a specific time each day or each week to have all members of school staff "drop everything and read." Most importantly share creative reading ideas with parents so that they too can make reading fun for their children at home.

During this month, let us seize the opportunity to bring our parents into the fold and encourage them to make reading a priority in their homes. On Saturday November 28th, 2009, the Jamaica Library Service will hold its annual Reading Fair, we are encouraging Jamaican families to help us make that the National Family Reading Day by making a concerted effort to read with their children.

Youth Information Centre for Manchester, Jamaica

Title: Youth Information Centre for Manchester
Source: MANDEVILLE, Jamaica Information Service (JIS)
Date Published: Thursday, October 01, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/MYSC/html/20091001T010000-0500_21337_JIS_YOUTH_INFORMATION_CENTRE_FOR_MANCHESTER.asp

Abstract:
Article outlines the construction of a building for the Youth Information Centre for Manchester on lands owned by the Parish Council.

Articulated is the vision for the centre and how it is expected to impact the youth in the community.

Details about the completion date and what it is expected to accommodate is provided. The funding agency behind the construction is also named.


Excerpt:

Ground was broken Wednesday (September 30) for a prototype Youth Information Centre (YIC) for Manchester, on lands donated by the Parish Council.

"This project is a significant milestone in our efforts to have one full capacity YIC in each parish, and is part of our ongoing effort to create youth empowerment, through the use of information. We intend to build, at least, one satellite youth information centre in each constituency that falls within the parish, over a five-year period," Senator Newby stated.

He told the gathering that the Centre is "a social asset" which must be protected, in order to make a shift in the lives of future generations.

Construction is slated to be completed in 12 months. The completed Centre will accommodate over 1,500 each month, and will be staffed with two youth empowerment officers and other personnel.

Funding for the project is provided by the Korea International Co-operation Agency (KOICA)."

Jamaica's CHASE fund funds a school library project

Title: CHASE Fund to Contribute $1 Million to Glenmuir High
Source: MANDEVILLE, Jamaican Information Service (JIS)
Date Published: Friday, October 02, 2009
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/finance_planning/html/20091002T140000-0500_21357_JIS_CHASE_FUND_TO_CONTRIBUTE__1_MILLION_TO_GLENMUIR_HIGH.asp


Abstract:

The article reports on the speech by the Chief Executive Officer of the CHASE fund, Billy Heaven, about plans to fund the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre, in Clarendon with one million dollars. Heaven declares also the number of school libraries that have benefited from the fund.

Background information is also given about the CHASE fund and the typical projects that it supports, in addition to its sources of income.

The article also briefly mentions how the funding from CHASE fund will be used for the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre.


Excerpt:

The Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, will be contributing $1 million to the Glenmuir High School Library and Resource Centre, in Clarendon.

This was stated by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Billy Heaven, at the school, on September 30.

"We have already committed the funds; it is a question of the drawdown as soon as the library is up and running. They are constructing a new building and therefore we will be equipping that building," he told JIS News.


The library and resource centre will be equipped with a multi media projector and screen, printer and a speaker system which, according to Principal of Glenmuir High, Mr. Clement Radcliff, will be especially beneficial to students studying Spanish.

Barbados Minister defends Barbados Literacy record

Author: (YB)

Title: "Our literacy rating in Top 5"

Source: Barbados Nation News

Date Published: September 9, 2009.

URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/jones-on-literacy-copy-for-web

Abstract:
Barbados Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, Ronald Jones, boasts that Barbados have the fourth highest literacy rate in the world at a Literacy fair. His comments come despite criticism from various sectors that the literacy rate is falling. In this article, the Minister is quoted speaking of the investment that the Government has been taking in education.

However,the minister makes mention of several areas that he believes could improve literacy in the nation, including transformation of the way reading and writing is taught in schools, as well as the involvement of parents in building the early foundation for literacy.


Excerpt:

BARBADOS has the fourth highest literacy rate in the world.

Mere days after deputy principal of the Erdiston Teachers' Training College, Dr Patricia Saul, suggested the touted 98 per cent literacy rate was a myth, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Ronald Jones said the country was ranked among the highest in the world.

"In a world where there are still some 776 million adults who are illiterate, and some 75 million children who are out of school, we are proud to say that we have free education from the nursery to tertiary level and our literacy rate is still among the highest in the world - fourth in the world, and that is exceptionally high," Jones said.

Speaking at yesterday's Literacy Fair in Queen's Park, Jones said teachers, principals, parents, students and all those involved in the process needed to be applauded for "keeping us on that edge"

.

Barbados National Library's 2009 Literacy Fun Day and Summer Programme

Author: (DB)

Title: Creative writers in the making

Source: Barbados Nation News

Date Published: September 6, 2009

http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/National-Library-Service-Literacy-Fun-Day-copy-for-web

Abstract:

Article highlights the Barbados first National Library's Literacy Fun Day event as well as the library's summer programmes held across the island. These events featured activities for children that encourage the development of children writers and their literacy development and skills. The events allowed for children to produce 31 books and share their original creative writings through the reading of their work to the public. The Literacy Fun day also saw a puppet show to entertain those who attended.

The article also contains comments by the children service librarian, Jennifer Yarde, regarding the rationale behind the library's events and activities.



Excerpt:

"YOUNG WRITERS came out to show off their creativity and skill at the National Library Service's first ever Literacy Fun Day at Queen's Park, St Michael, yesterday.

Under the theme Literacy Beyond The Vision, librarians from all the departments came out to lend their support to the future writers of Barbados, some of whom were as young as seven years old.

"At the Library we encourage children to read and write, so that they can improve their literacy skills," children's librarian Jennifer Yarde said.

The youthful scribes came out to share their stories and books which they had written at the recently concluded summer programme held at the various libraries across the island."

Drop in the Usage of Libraries by theTrinidad and Tobago Public

Author: Akile Simon

Title: $144m spent on libraries in past year...Nalis laments drop in usage by public


Source: Trinidad and Tobago

Date Published: 16 July 2009

URL: http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/07/16/nalis-laments-drop-usage-public

Abstract:

The article reports on a speech given by the executive director of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) of Trinidad and Tobago, Annette Wallace. In her speech, Wallace discloses the the amount spent on libraries by the body (NALIS). Wallace also discloses the results of a survey that despite the expenditure on libraries, public usage of the services have dropped. The article also reveal a particular finding about the perception of nonusers of the library and the future plans for the development of libraries in Trinidad and Tobago. The Information Minister, Neil Parsanlal, also spoke, affirming the Government's support of NALIS in further advancing the nation's mission of developing its human capital through public access to information.

The article also discloses that the speeches by Wallace and Parsanlal were given at the opening ceremony of the Arima Public Library on Pro Queen Street in Arima.

Excerpt:

The National Library and Information Systems Authority (Nalis) has dished out a service to the public at a value of more than $144 million for the last fiscal year.

But a survey conducted revealed there was a decline in the usage at public libraries. This disclosure was made by Nalis’ executive director Annette Wallace on Tuesday, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Arima Public Library on Pro Queen Street in Arima.

Sixth youth information centre established in Jamaica

Title: Marcus Garvey Youth Information Centre to open in St Ann
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date Published: Friday, July 10, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090710T010000-0500_155098_OBS_MARCUS_GARVEY_YOUTH_INFORMATION_CENTRE_TO_OPEN_IN_ST_ANN.asp

Excerpt:

The centre is expected to have, among other things, a cyber centre with over 14 computers, rap room where young people can share ideas, an area for physically-challenged youths and a Garvey memorial area, which will provide information on Garvey's life and work.

Abstract:

The article details the agreements made by Jamaica's National Centre for Youth Development (NCYD), UNICEF and the St Ann Parish Council to set up a Marcus Garvey Information Centre at "the site that once housed a skills training centre named after the national hero". This information centre is aimed at providing youth in the parish with facilities for information sharing and access. Plans are also outlined about more such centres to be established in the parish as well as throughout the entire island. The site will also provide information about the life of Marcus Garvey, one of Jamaica's national hero, who originated from the parish.

Scotiabank develops school library in Trinidad and Tobago

Title: Scotiabank develops library at Lady Hochoy Home
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian
Date Published: 13 July 2009
URL: http://guardian.co.tt/features/life/2009/07/13/scotiabank-develops-library-lady-hochoy-home

Excerpt:

Scotiabank has embarked on a library development project at the Lady Hochoy School in Penal. Staff members of the bank’s Penal Branch have been volunteering their time and efforts to regularly visit the school, walking with their paint brushes, to ensure that the library is in top condition.

According to Reena Panchorie, Assistant Manager, Public and Corporate Affairs, at Scotiabank T&T Ltd, “This effort by the Penal Branch is part of the Bank’s Bright Future Program, a corporate giving and community programme that helps support opportunities for the children and communities in which we live and work.

Abstract:

A branch of the Scotiabank in Trinidad and Tobago has taken on a project of corporate social responsibility focusing on the development of children in the community. This project involves staff volunteering to work in and on developing the Lady Hochoy School library.

Call for a Jamaican museum or library to honour Norman Manley

Author: Garfield Myers
Title: Another appeal for Roxborough: Birthplace of National Hero Norman Manley still in disrepair
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Wednesday, July 08, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090707T210000-0500_154917_OBS_ANOTHER_APPEAL_FOR_ROXBOROUGH_.asp

Excerpt:

A brief note on Roxborough on the website of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, which has responsibility for official heritage sites, says in part: "It was proposed that the house be restored since it had fallen into disrepair, but in 1968 it was destroyed by fire. Currently only the foundation remains. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust proposes to restore the building."

Pressed by the Observer following Saturday's function, which incorporated tributes to Manley's life in speech and song, Ramsay argued that a library and/or museum suitably furnished with literature and memorabilia on Manley should be part of any upgrading.

Abstract:

The article reports on the annual July 4 celebration honouring one of Jamaica's National Hero, Norman Manley, at which calls were made for the upgrading of his home. At this function Mayor of Mandeville and chairman of the Manchester Parish Council, Brenda Ramsay, suggests that the nation should adequately honour Manley "the 'father' and chief architect of post-independent Jamaica" by upgrading his old house. Already designated as a heritage site, the suggestion was made to turn Manley's house into a museum or library. This suggested museum or library would serve as an historical attraction informing visitors about Manley and his contribution to Jamaica.

Bankers help develop a school library in Trinidad and Tobago

Title: Bankers help build a library
Source: Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday
Date: Tuesday, July 7 2009
URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,103377.html


Excerpt:

"SCOTIABANK has embarked on a library development project at the Lady Hochoy School in Penal. Staff members of the Penal Branch have been volunteering their time and effort to regularly visit the school, walking with their paint brushes to ensure that the library’s walls were in top condition."

Abstract:

The article reports on the corporate social responsibility acts by the ScotiaBank to give back to the community through efforts at developing a school library. The efforts are aimed at the Lady Hochoy School in Penal, where the Bank members have been involved in painting the library's walls and volunteering their labour and service to the library. Services rendered other than the painting of the library, include "the procurement of bookshelves, desks and chairs, as well as sourcing reading material for the children to enjoy”.

Poor Showing at Charity Show for Jamaican Libraries

Author: O'Hara, Fabian
Title: "Disappointing turnout for Help Jamaica charity show - But organiser not giving up"
Source: The Jamaica Gleaner
Date Published: June 3, 2009
URL: http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090603/ent/ent5.html


Abstract:
The article report on the charity event put on by the German founded non-profit group, Help Jamaica. Covered in the article is information about the group's mandate to improve inner-city communities by building reading centres or libraries. Also mentioned in the article is the outcome of the charitable event, which was not well supported by patrons, though artistes and performers gave support.

Excerpt:

Disappointment was evident in the voice of Birte Timm as she reflected on the poorly-attended show.

Last Saturday, Help Jamaica foundation staged what was to be the first of a series of charity events aimed at raising funds to construct a library in the Cassava Piece community of St Andrew.

The all-day event was held at Weekenz on Constant Spring Road. In the afternoon, the children were treated to a fun day, which included performances from dancers Tippa and Hiyah Style.

A stage show in the night had a strong line-up of past, present and upcoming dancehall and reggae acts billed to perform, but hardly anyone turned up for what could have been a remarkable show. The line-up included Mavado, Cocoa Tea, Leroy Sibbles, Bugle, Sizzla and Ken Boothe.

'It will take a lot to fix old Library'

Title: 'It will take a lot to fix old Library'

Source: Nation News

Date: February 1 2009


URL: http://www.nationnews.com/story/360563188501758.php

Abstract:

The article reveals the hopes, aspirations and plans of the Minister of Community Development and Culture, Steve Blackett, that the old building of the Barbados Public Library will be refurbished and reopened by the end of the Government's first term. Some information is given about the old building as well as the shortage of trained librarians and other staff for the Barbados Public Library. Also mentioned is some of the Minister's plan for the Public Library and some of the challenges and opportunities that present themselves for the public library system.

Library for Orange Hill, Barbados

Title: ENRICHMENT CENTRE COMING FOR ORANGE HILL
Source: Barbados Government Information Service
Date: February 18, 2009

URL: http://www.barbados.gov.bb/site_search.asp?id=20092187665.txt


Excerpt from source

Residents of Orange Hill, St. James, will soon have an enrichment centre complete with library facilities at their disposal.


The amenities will be as a result of a recent donation of a half acre of land and a house to Government by former resident of the area, Gilbert Taylor.

Abstract:
Article on the philanthropic donation to establish a library in a community in Barbados that does not have any such facilities to benefit the community and its development.