Jamaican school library gets $2 million makeover

Title: Donald Quarrie High gets $2m library makeover

Date published: Monday, October 06, 2014

Source: Jamaica Observer
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Donald-Quarrie-High-gets--2m-library-makeover_17691945


Abstract:

Article reports on the Jamaica Private Power Company's (JPPC) contribution of a refurbished library and computers valued at $2 million to the Donald Quarrie High School.

Reported speech from the general manager of the JPPC, Ingrid-Christian Baker, provides the rationale for the firm's initiative. Also reported are statements from the Chief education officer in the Ministry of Education, Dr Grace McLean, encouraging students to make the best use of the resources and commending the JPPC for its community outreach.

Details are also given about the nature of the library's refurbishing work done including:

• re-polishing shelves
• constructing new pieces of furniture
• tiling the floor
• extending partitions that separate the adjoining computer lab
• applying fresh paint to the walls
• installing new air conditioning units and 
• providing new computers and a server system to be housed in the space

Excerpt:

STUDENTS at Donald Quarrie High School now have an added boost to the academic programme at the institution, thanks to the Jamaica Private Power Company (JPPC).
Last week the East Kingston-based power company handed over a refurbished library and computers valued at $2 million to the institution.

According to general manager of the JPPC, Ingrid-Christian Baker, the library refurbishing fits into the company's mandate of 'Empowering Dreams, Empowering Lives and Empowering Community'.

Trinidad and Tobago's Scarborough library due for completion by August 2014

Title: Scarborough Library due for completion shortly
Date published: Friday, June 6 2014
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
URL: http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,195828.html

Abstract:
The article reports on Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Councillor Gary Melville's announcement of a projected date for the completion of the Scarborough library building and other community projects. In his report, Melville promises that the facility will be modern and ready to support students for the new school year. Mention is made that:

• the library is currently undergoing a tendering process for the information and communication technology
• the shelving, furniture and books are already in place
• sprinkling and fire suppression systems are to be installed
• and that the Scarborough Beautification Committee will beautify the library surroundings and construct public washrooms

Excerpt:

THE MULTI-MILLION dollar Scarborough Library building will be completed by week-end, and external works should be completed by month-end, reported Secretary of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Councillor Gary Melville.

Speaking at the weekly post-Executive Council media briefing on Wednesday, he promised the island’s schoolchildren, the use of a modern Scarborough Library when their new term starts in September. 

He also reported that the National Maintenance and Security Company Limited (MTS), the project manager of the construction of the new library in Lower Scarborough, has been mandated to deliver it by the end of August. 

He said that tenders were being processed for the information and communication technology aspect of the project, which is a requirement in a modern-day library. He reported that the shelving, furniture and books are already in the building while sprinkling and fire suppression systems were still to be installed. Melville said his division, in conjunction with the Scarborough Beautification Committee, will beautify the surroundings of the building, and construct public washrooms.

Jamaican rural community to get new library and computer facility

Author: Garfield Angus
Title: Accompong to Get Library and Computer Centre
Source: Jamaica Information Service
Date published: January 8, 2013
URL: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/32680


Abstract:

The article reports on an event launching the construction for a library in a rural community in Jamaica. The  Minister of Education, Hon. Ronald Thwaites, in his reported speech at the ceremony, informs us about the investor or sponsor behind the project and the cost involved. Minister Thwaites also comments on the potential benefit of public and private partnership on the education of children. The time period of the construction and the exact location of the site is also announced.

The community library is to be built on the grounds of  Accompong Primary and Junior High School, and as such, the article also reports on the reaction of the school's principal, Garfield Rowe. Rowe reports in the speech the users that the facility will serve, which includes both the children and adults of the Accompong community.

Both the principal and Minister of Education are reported as praising the investor/sponsor of the project. The sponsor of project, Mystic Bowie, in turn is described by the article as a recording artiste and music producer, a resident of the area, who is living overseas. In his reported speech the sponsor states his personal vision for the the community and how he sees the project as fulfilling that vision by empowering the children of the community with needed educational resources.

Excerpt:

Work will get underway next month on the construction of a state-of-the-art library and computer centre in the community of Accompong in St. Elizabeth.

The project is being funded by recording artiste and music producer, Mystic Bowie, a resident of the area, who is living overseas.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Sunday (January 6), Minister of Education, Hon. Ronald Thwaites, said the project is significant for the Maroon community and lauded Mr. Bowie for investing more than $6 million (US$65,000) “in the building of education for his community”.

Trinidad & Tobago Minister endorses restoring old library building

Author: Michelle Loubon
Title: Education Minister lauds library restoration plans
Date Published: Sunday, September 30, 2012
Source: Trinidad and Tobago Guardian
URL: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2012-09-30/education-minister-lauds-library-restoration-plans

Abstract:
Article reports on a speech by Education Minister Tim Gopeesingh that discussed the restoration plans for the old Public Library at Knox Street, Port-of-Spain and the significance of such a restoration to Trinidad and Tobago. This speech reportedly took place at the launch of book entitled A Tale From The Old Library Vol 2: An Historical Record of the Public Library. The report also provides background information about this book, in terms of  its content and the authorship behind its publication.

Excerpt:

Education Minister Tim Gopeesingh says restoration of the old Public Library at Knox Street, Port-of-Spain, will foster a much needed appreciation of T&T’s history among the younger generation. He made this comment while delivering the feature address at the launch of A Tale From The Old Library Vol 2: An Historical Record of the Public Library, on Friday.

Gopeesingh said: “We live in a time when libraries and their historical significance run the risk of being lost in this age of technology. The fact that this project falls under the National Patriotism Month—and while we celebrate our 50th anniversary—makes it more worthwhile and relevant.” He added, “We will be fulfilling that very glaring need to preserve the memories and legacies of all our great patriots, past and present, who offered to their nation their leadership, skills and achievements at the highest levels.”

Construction delay for the National Public Library of Antigua & Barbuda

Author: Rory Butler 
Title: No Public Library by year-end

Date published: Thursday, November 24th, 2011.
Source: Antigua Observer.com
URL: http://www.antiguaobserver.com/?p=67741


Abstract:

The article reports on the inability of the governing administration to honour a commitment to complete the new library building site for the National Public Library of Antigua and Barbuda for 2011.The delay is reportedly caused by a lack of funding. Executive Secretary of the Board of Education (BOE) D Gisele Isaac provides further detail of the source of funding and the reasons for the delay. The article also reports that construction materials to be manufactured overseas are required. The cost of the construction project is also mentioned. In addition what the building will house and some of its amenities and facilities are also mentioned.

Excerpt:

St. John’s Antigua- Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer is not going to be able to keep his commitment to Antigua & Barbuda to have the National Public Library completed in 2011.

Executive Secretary of the Board of Education (BOE) D Gisele Isaac confirmed yesterday that a 2011 completion date is out of the question.

“Oh absolutely not. Today is the (23rd November). No, of course it can’t be completed this year. The first thing we need to get is overseas materials, so even if I were to place the order today there is no way they are going to get here for us to complete anything before year-end. So, no it’s not going to happen in 2011,” Isaac said yesterday.

In January this year Spencer categorically stated, “The public library must be completed and operationalised by 2011, whatever the situation.”

Spencer at the time said his administration was taking full responsibility for the inordinate delay in the completion of the facility, “but it must be done.”

Upon completion, the 20,000 square foot multi-level complex building will be fully air-conditioned and host between 70 and 80 computers.

It will offer several rooms, including a children’s library and reading room, adult reading rooms, a modern conference room, a research and reference library, newspaper and periodicals section, staff and lobby areas, a cafeteria and a gift shop

A Jamaican Ministry to relocate to new facilities, inclusive of new library space

Title: Foreign affairs' $450-m move
Source: Jamaica Observer
Date published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
URL: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Foreign-affairs---450-m-move_7440468

Abstract:
Article reports on an initiative to relocate the Jamaican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to new headquarters. The new location will be in a part of Kingston that is much cheaper, saving the Government millions of dollars. A part of the plan for the new facility is the construction of a library space.

Excerpt:

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will spend an initial $450 million to relocate its head office downtown in the next fiscal year.

The move is part of Government's cost-saving measure to relocate ministry's and agencies to cheaper offices downtown.

"The final cost of the building is still to be determined as the project is still at the preliminary stage. The initial estimate of the cost is $447 million," stated Wilton Dyer, public relations officer at the ministry. The amount includes the price of the land, initial geological assessments and architectural surveys and design; and tendering for local consultants. Of the total amount, the "Chinese government will offer $292 million as a grant" and the Jamaican government will finance the remainder. The new building will be on Port Royal Street downtown and will contain among other things: Conference rooms, training facilities, parking lots, lounges, canteen, a library, and holding area for children.