Jamaica Library Service receives computer software from Microsoft

Author: Douglas Mcintosh
Title: JLS Receives Computer Software Valued at $131.85 Million
Date published: June 20, 2015
Source: Jamaica Information Service
URL: http://jis.gov.jm/jls-receives-computer-software-valued-131-85-million/

Abstract:
This article reports on the funding and donations received by the  Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) for its information and communications technology (ICT) project. How the funding and donations will be used is announced as well the purposes to which the newly acquired ICT resources will be applied.

The JLS Director General, Karen Barton, is reported expressing gratitude for the donations and funding. Microsoft Jamaica Country Manager, George Cobin, is also reported as praising the JLS for its ICT initiatives. Microsoft Jamaica’s Sector Manager for Education, Queenie Ko, is also cited as expressing happiness that  Microsoft could support JLS in using technology for empower individuals and community development in Jamaica.

Further information is provided on both JLS and the  Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Excerpt:

The Jamaica Library Service’s (JLS) information and communications technology (ICT) project, currently being developed, has been boosted with the provision of computer software, valued approximately $131.85 million (US$1.13 million), by Microsoft Jamaica.

The donation, which is the largest to date made by the technology solutions firm in the English-speaking Caribbean, entails Office 2013 Pro Plus applications, comprising: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access, which are utilized by global enterprises and companies. These will be uploaded on the approximately 800 state-of-the-art computers slated to be installed within the next three months at all of the JLS’ 127 public libraries islandwide and some mobile facilities, under the project, titled: ‘JLS: Using Technology to Empower Individuals and Communities for Development’.

Ground breaking for the Accompong Town Primary and Junior High School library and media centre

Author: Paul Williams
Title: Mystic Bowie Delivering The Goods In Accompong Town
Date published: January 11, 2014
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
URL: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140111/news/news1.html

Abstract:

Article reports on an event to break ground for the building of a library and media centre for a Jamaican school, commemorating the historical events particularly significant to the Jamaican Maroon community. Background information is provided on the major sponsor or donor for the project, Mystic Bowie and the set of events that lead to the initiative. The article also reports on Bowie's motivation for sponsoring the project. Further provided is information about the ground breaking event, including a list of some of the persons attending, including Coral B. Barnett, principal of the Accompong Town Primary and Junior High School and Director of Culture in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Dahlia Harris. Other information provided in the article deals with some minor details about the building itself and some of the equipment and resources that it is expected to house.



Excerpt:

ACCOMPONG TOWN, St Elizabeth:One year ago, Mystic Bowie, a producer, reggae singer, and international recording artiste, who was born Fitzroy Alexander Campbell in Accompong Town, St Elizabeth, in the presence of members of the Government and Opposition, broke ground for the building of a library and media centre at the Accompong Town Primary and Junior High School. This took place as part of the Accompong Maroons' observance of Captain Cudjoe's birthday and the 275th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty with the British.

In speaking with Rural Xpress at the time, the Connecticut, United States, resident said, "I am 100 per cent committed, if not, I would be wasting my time." As a member of the Council of Overseas Maroons, he was approached by the council's president/secretary, Coral B. Barnett, for assistance to the school and the community.

The building of the aforementioned complex was the main assistance Bowie suggested, and from all indications, he is delivering on his promise, and stage one of the project is now complete. It consists of the main hall for the library and computer clusters, an administrative office, and a rooftop space for the hosting of special events. The special-events level wasn't part of the original plan, but it will be part of the fundraising outreach to maintain the centre.

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.

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”.