Schools receive copies of Guyana Classics to promote country's history

Schools receive copies of Guyana Classics to promote country’s history

May 15, 2010 News

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, yesterday handed over a series of “Guyana Classic Library” books to the Ministry of Education to distribute to all schools and public libraries. Some schools including Queen’s College, Bishops and St. Joseph High received a series of these books for their libraries.

Professor David Dabydeen hands over a series of “Guyana classics Library” to Queen

The books, which have rare titles, contain contemporary writings by Guyanese and Caribbean writers and will enable persons, particularly youths to be aware of Guyana’s history and culture.
The first 11 volumes, which were launched approximately six weeks ago, were paid for by government and are being distributed free of cost to all secondary schools and public libraries.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, said he is pleased to be part of helping to educate young persons about the country’s history. The books will create space for emerging new writers to have a place to publish and use their creative energies.
Minister Anthony noted that within three to four months, another series of books will be printed for distribution since 36 volumes of these books are to be distributed to fulfill the mandate of the Ministry.
Professor David Dabydeen, who is a professional writer, historian and noble-prize winner said that he wants to give back to young people the benefits, gifts and values that he acquired from Guyana.
Dabydeen added that the intention is to re-print, with new scholarly introductions a series of Guyana classics from the 17th century to the end of the 20th century relating to the country’s history and culture. Dabydeen stated that the books contain anthologies of short stories and poetry from the Caribbean and all over the world.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s Caribbean press will soon be hosting a poetry and short story competition for primary and secondary school students.
This aims to encourage new writings by Guyanese children by four methods namely: literary competitions, workshops, performances and publications. Assistant Chief Education Officer for Secondary Schools, Melcita Bovell, said she is grateful to the Culture Ministry for allowing persons to receive the treasure of the history of Guyana in writing.
Bovell noted that the books will assist in shaping the future of members of this generation as they will be enlightened about the struggles and culture of the country.
Queen’s College student, Ryan Duff said that having access to these books will help students as they will learn of the past, which is vital for youths to understand who they are, who they can be and who they will be.
Government established the Caribbean press in 2009 to reprint out-of-print and rare books on Guyana in an effort to leave an enduring legacy of the country.