Jamaica Library Service to benefit from special grant funding

Author: Latonya Linton
Title: Library Service Receives Boost from Gates Foundation
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published:  May 8, 2014
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/library-service-receives-boost-gates-foundation/


Abstract:
Article reports on news that the Jamaica Library Service (JLS) has received US$2 million in grant funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. A synopsis is provided of how the funds will be used, namely to implement  the ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’ project. A synopsis of the project is provided. According to the author the project will boost public access to information resources mainly through the installation of hardware and software. The article indicates how many libraries are to benefit from the initiative, how many computer systems will be installed as well as the commencement date of the project.

This news was announced in the Minister of Education's, the Hon Rev Ronald Thwaites, address to the House of Representatives during his contribution to the 2014/15 Sectoral Debate on May 7. During his address, the Minister is also reported as announcing that the Jamaica Library Service is to also benefit from grant funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Sugar Transformation Programme. The article also outlines that this grant funding is earmarked to enhance library services in select sugar dependent communities. Specifically, these projects include constructing and equipping new infant school libraries at the St. John’s and Savanna-la-mar Infant Schools in Westmoreland and Falmouth Infant School in Trelawny.
The Minister is also reported as informing the House of a planned upgrade to the Alexandria Branch Library in St. Ann through the assistance of the Government of Japan.

Excerpt:

Under this initiative, 127 public libraries will benefit from the Project; six mobile libraries will be provided; approximately 843 state-of-the-art computer systems will be installed; and senior citizens, persons from rural communities, the unemployed and persons with disabilities will be direct beneficiaries. The Project will be launched in November 2014.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Library Service is also the beneficiary of grant funding from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries under the Sugar Transformation Programme totaling $58 million.

This will be used to enhance library services in select sugar dependent communities. The projects include the construction and equipping of new infant school libraries, at the St. John’s and Savanna-la-mar Infant Schools in Westmoreland and Falmouth Infant School in Trelawny.

Jamaica to get a new museum preserving its German Heritage

AUTHOR: Laura Koch, Gleaner Intern
TITLE: New movement in 'German Town'
Date Published: Monday | March 31, 2014 :
SOURCE: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140331/news/news31.html#.Uzp9R4gh-aw.facebook

 Abstract:
The article basically reports on the vision of  a few women of German heritage to transform their home town in Jamaica. The women, Rosalie Vieira, her sister Debbie Burnsed, and their friend Jeanette Lynch, outline their plans to preserve the German heritage of Seaford Town, also known as 'German Town'. Information is also provided about this rural town,  located in the deep rural countryside of Westmoreland, Jamaica. In brief, the article mentions the ambition to fundraise and build a new museum to preserve the German heritage of the town as well as some artifacts.

Excerpt:
 

Lynch said the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will support the ambitions of the women and finance the building of a new museum.

Currently, a classroom in the primary school serves as the town's museum. It contains artifacts of the German settlers, including bowls and combs and pictures.

"By the end of this year, we should have that new museum", Lynch told