Bookophilia heads encourage

Jamaicans to fight with the pen

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

IN AN ONLINE campaign begun by one-year-old Bookophilia, Jamaicans are being mobilised to bring about change in Jamaica through the gift of writing. This signifies that Jamaica has come a long way since its independence, with the citizens now assuming a new role of holding government officials accountable. This especially when it comes to the literacy and advancement of the island’s natives.

Led by the representatives of Bookophilia bookstore and club, Kingston, Jamaicans are being challenged to take a stand against, and, to insist on a repeal of taxes which will affect all Jamaicans.

This is in direct response to an imposed the new literacy tax by the Government. Accordingly under the category of “Books, Newspapers and Education” - previously tax-exempt, books and reading material as of Monday, April 27 are being taxed.

“Books, Newspapers and Education” [are defined as]:
10. Printed matter, articles and materials such as –
(a) brochures, pamphlets and leaflets for religious purposes and books other than schoolbooks and booklets
(b) newspapers journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated
(c) children’s picture books and painting books;
(d) maps and hydrographic charts and similar charts of all kinds, including atlases, wall maps and topographical plans, printed globes (terrestrial or celestial).”

The revision issued on Monday is that religious materials and educational materials (as defined by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue) will be tax-exempt.

In 2003, similar attempt to impose a similar tax failed after swift action from citizens who protested and lobbied in unison.

Bookophilia heads negotiate the imposition as unfair, in a country where the literacy rate is already woefully low. In a recent release they also argue “We have to make our leadership understand that the list of MOE textbooks is too narrow a definition of “educational”. Every children’s book is educational - and reading of any book should be encouraged.

They also propose that the move will also present a practical difficulty in how this would be implemented. For example definitions on religious and educational books seemingly remain unclear.

Questions proposed are Is Mother Teresas biography a religious book? What about books by the Dalai Lama? Is a book on Caribbean politics educational? What about a great work of literature like say a copy of War and Peace? How long will it take to clear goods on the wharf as Customs officers try to decipher which of the 1000 different titles in a shipment should attract tax? 

Already the team has demonstrated the advantage of being literate, at least computer literate.

In a posted note on Facebook, contact information for both the Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Member of Parliament (info@cabinet.gov.jm; info@mof.gov.jm; FitzAlbert_2@yahoo.com)

Supporters are then asked to copy, edit and pesonalise the letter below into a personal e-mail to the above addresses. 

>>>>>>>>> sample letter >>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Prime Minister Golding and Minister Shaw:

As a concerned citizen, I am writing this letter to urge you and your colleagues to act swiftly to repeal the tax on books. Protecting our ability to access books and affordable reading material is critical to our nation’s development.

I urge you to stand with us on this issue and keep all books affordable for the people of Jamaica. I am particularly concerned about the following:

1. That only the MOE list of approved textbooks or religious texts are exempted - This narrow definition, limited to MOE approved textbooks and books deemed religious by the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, is unacceptable. We believe that all books, especially children’s books, are of educational value.

2. That reading, books and education are not luxury items to be taxed for quick returns and short-term revenue gains. We demand that our government take a long-term view of this issue and its impact on the future of our nation.

3. That with the impact of recent devaluation, the price of books has already increased and this tax will put many books beyond the reach of the average citizen.

We have the right to develop into a literate and educated society. Citizens must have access to diverse and affordable reading material. Reading of any and all types of material, must be strongly encouraged by our government.

I strongly urge you to act now to repeal this tax and allow all books and reading material to remain tax-exempt.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent request.

Sincerely,

………………………
(your name)

Up to publication time, the number of participants or letters submitted remains unknown.

 

A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Anthea is CEO of OAaSIS International, a company set up to expose and sensitise on the culture and the arts, starting with children. She has over 12 years experience in Journalism and the Fine Arts. Contact her also at islandartattack@yahoo.co.uk or anthea@theoaasis.com. [or Facebook].

NEET awards police

 

By Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

 

ANOTHER DREAM came true for Negril’s Winston Wellington. As chairman of Negril Education Environment Trust (NEET), he recently glowed at yet another graduation of the computer literacy programme, his brainchild.

This time 10 police officers from the Savannah-La Mar police station graduated yesterday, April 5. This brought the total number of graduates from the course to a little over 500, since its inception 5 years ago.

This year’s main theme for the programme according to the chairman is “To put a computer in every child’s hand before [s]he has access to a gun.” The ten graduates spent six weeks of intense computer training at level one and were on Sunday awarded a completion certificate and a computer.  

While for Wellington the graduation was another dream to see more Jamaicans literate realized, guest speaker for the evening, David Dennisur seized the opportunity to challenge the graduates.

Calculating in every word, he offered several challenges to the graduates. The main one was that of recognizing the power of being educated, regardless of colour, class or creed. “Education is the key to empowerment”, he said in reiterating MC for the evening, Mrs Joyce Green, J.P.’s point that while instruction ends in the classroom, education stops only when one’s life ends.

In encouraging the graduates to recognize their call as police to serve, protect and reassure, the speaker asked that each one, having learnt should now teach one. It was a matter of reducing the need for the “public informants”, by educating and impacting through service, thus realizing the motto: “serve, protect and reassure.”

Speaking against the Jamaican habit of loving to receive, he challenged the now computer literate graduates to have an impact, noting that police are judged by their contributions to family and community.

Avoiding the patterns of wasting paper, he also challenged the graduates not to be wasteful in general. This he did as he spoke on the bifocal purpose of the NEET programme in offering computer training in a soon-to-be paperless world as one way of saving the environment.

Other contributions to the evening’s success were the renditions of  “There’s a hero” by multiskilled pianist and guitarist Constable Mullings, and Wing beneath my wings” by Woman Constable Wright.

Tearful expressions were made to teachers especially to Mr Volan Dagli and his wife Zerrin from Turkey. Other teachers, Jamaicans Winfield Wellington and Kedisha Jackson were also appreciated by the graduates.

The graduates are Inpector Uton Gordon, Inspector Junior Whyte, Sgt Christopher McDaniel, Detective Sgt Rohan Hall, Detective Cpl Oxford Haldane, Constable Lindon Black, Constable Oliver Green, Woman Constable Annie Anglin, Woman Constable Collette Reynolds, Secretary Yvonne Wright.

So far, the NEET has donated over 3 million books. Its overriding objective continues to be “to put a book in every child’s hand, and a computer in every classroom.”

According to chairman Winston Wellington, it is hoped that through NEET, 10 libraries will be built in every parish, at a rate of two or three per month. Each library will ultimately be furnished with ten computers and at least 500 books including a Bible, the National anthem and the national pledge as priority.

Six libraries including St Paul Primary; Little London; Sir Clifford Campbell; Friendship library have been built. Very soon a library at the Balaclava will be opened, followed by Bethel Town, then Bethel Bay.

 

EDITOR’S NOTE:

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties uploading photographs. As soon as relating issues are resolved, photographs will be uploaded. Please understand. Thanks in advance and for your continued support.

For more on our art and culture, see also the Gleaner’s art section.

CIDA DONATES SHAGGY CURRICULUM BOOK TO BASIC SCHOOLS

“It’s great to get the awards, but there is no greater reward than seeing the smiles on the children’s faces!” was Grammy Winning Artiste Shaggy’s response when he received praises today, March 11, 2009 at the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust. Shaggy was witnessing the presentation ceremony of almost 700 copies of his children’s CD and Storybook, “Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band” featuring the voice of Shaggy, to corporate area early childhood institutions (ECI’s).

 

Children and Principals from the Escarpment Road Basic School, the Mona Commons Basic School, the Providence Methodist Basic School and the Hermitage Basic School happily received copies of the books from donors, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) represented by Counselor and Head of Development for CIDA, Mrs. Lorraine Belisle.

With the addition of the book to the Early Childhood Curriculum Resource List for Jamaica, a CIDA Programme - the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) -facilitated the donation of the books and the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust. The books will be distributed to the ECI’s.

Mrs. Lorraine Belisle expressed her pleasure in approving the CA$10,000.00 purchase, stating that the Canadian Government has played a long and important role in ensuring the provision of quality education and care to children worldwide. “It is our hope that the success of this unique educational product will pave the way for other edu-tainment materials that enable kids to play while learning. “Shaggy Parrot and the Reggae Band” exemplifies the best use of Jamaican talent and skills for the learning process.”

Mrs. Ceceile Minott, Project Director of the Trust said, “This is an exciting moment for us, as we have come a long way since this project was started two years ago. We thank you Shaggy and hope you continue to do more to get good children’s learning material like this one into the school system.” 

Mrs. Dorna Wright, a senior education officer in the Early Childhood Unit offered her deep gratitude to the star, stating, “It is an exceptionally special occasion for us at the Early Childhood Unit, when multidisciplinary forces, such as the production team on this project come in to help us deliver quality education to the children of Jamaica.”

Shaggy thanked the directors of Reggae Pickney Ltd., siblings, Jana and Rupert Bent III, for their hard work and perseverance in producing the book with accompanying narration and music CD. “Between my recent activities and this book, I feel a new sense of purpose with my work and life. Part proceeds of this book will also go to the Bustamante Hospital for Children.”

 

 

Dear reader,

Thank you for your continued support through thick and thin.

As we strive to improve our product to serve you better, there might be delays in accessing our various areas such as ARTS and CULTURE. We are working as speedily as we can to have any and all problems rectified, and do hope you understand.

We apologise, and trust you will keep connected as we stay focused on strengthening and exposing Jamaica’s arts and culture to all mankind, wherever you are.

Anthea McGibbon, Content Editor

 

EDNA MANLEY COLLEGE FOUNDERS WEEK

               March 1 to 7, 2009

Sunday March 1 at 9am

- Thanksgiving Service to be held at St. Stephens United Church 22-26 Union
Square, Kingston 5 –*beside Hilo supermarket*
Sunday March 1, 2009 at 9:00 am Please join us in giving thanks to God for
His guidance and blessings over the past 30+ years   Tuesday March 3 at 6pm

- Opening of the 2009 SVA Faculty exhibition  in the CAGE, the exhibition
runs until March 20

Thursday March 5 at 2.30pm

-  Edna Manley Memorial Lecture with the theme *”**Reframing Slavery:
Photography, History, and Re(Memory)”*

FRIDAY, December 26

• Wild Jerk

Wild Jerk is back this month at Prendy’s on the Beach (Formerly Under the Mango Tree), 7 South Avenue, Kingston. In addition Wild Jerk will be featured on the Maggi Cooking Show on CVM TV in December so look out for it.

SUNDAY, December 28

• Beres a moment in time ‘08

The Grand Stand, National stadium will be the venue of a concert titled by “Beres Hammond, a moment in time ‘08″.

FRIDAY, January 22

• Jamaica Jazz and Blues

At the Aqueduct, Rosehall, The Art of Music(Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues)  will be held until January 25.

SATURDAY, January31

• Gathering of the peacemakers in Negril

Authors and One Love Event organizers Julia & Robert Roskind will be hosting a Gatherings of the Peacemakers in Negril on January 31 & February 1. At the gathering they will be presenting a series of reasonings called “The Path of the Peacemaker: Staying Awake in a Sleeping World.” The gathering will be held at the Negril Escape Hotel and all the reasonings are free and open to all.

SUNDAY,  February 1

• Gathering of the Peacemakers in Negril

Authors and One Love Event organizers Julia & Robert Roskind will be hosting a Gatherings of the Peacemakers in Negril on January 31 & February 1. At the gathering they will be presenting a series of reasonings called “The Path of the Peacemaker: Staying Awake in a Sleeping World.” The gathering will be held at the Negril Escape Hotel and all the reasonings are free and open to all.

THURSDAY,  February 5

• Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards

It will be a red carpet gala affair at the Jamaica Pegasus when Richie ‘B’ Burgess hosts the EME awards at the Garden, Jamaica Pegasus, starting at 8:00p.m.

ONGOING

• Easy Lyme

At the Deck, Kingston, anyone can join the easy lyimng of genuine friends, who gather to enjoy music from way back to the 1980s. Proceeds from the event, whre the requirement is to buy something from the low-priced bar goes to charities across Jamaica.

FRIDAY, November 28

• Wild Jerk

Wild Jerk is back this month at Prendy’s on the Beach (Formerly Under the Mango Tree), 7 South Avenue, Kingston. In addition Wild Jerk will be featured on the Maggi Cooking Show on CVM TV in December so look out for it.