Georgetown: Twenty more books of the Guyana Classics editions were launched by the Caribbean Press recently at the Umana Yana in Kingston, bringing the total to 65 publications published within three years by the Caribbean Press.
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the books represent a wide cross section of Guyana’s history and literature, leading to a rediscovery of Guyana by the readers. He referred to one book about the 1823 rebellion which tells about the largest slave uprising in the Western Hemisphere that took place in Guyana. The Minister also mentioned another book dealing with slavery, “Hearing Slaves Speak” by Trevor Bernard of Jamaica, which translated 99 pages of complaints by slaves to the judiciary of the time. Another book he pointed out, dealt with the doctor who travelled on the first ship that brought indentured immigrants to Guyana giving an insight into the journey.
“This collection of books is very insightful. I would urge all of you to make sure that you get copies of the books…we have put them at Austin’s Book store,” he urged. Books from the Guyana Classics series are also placed in the National Library, the University of Guyana Library, and in the libraries of the senior secondary schools.
The Minister also pointed out the publication of the speeches of the Presidents of Guyana, Linden Forbes Burnham, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Mrs. Janet Jagan. These speeches, he explained, were compiled with the help of the Hansard of the National Assembly.
Reviewing the work of the Caribbean Press, Minister Anthony observed that real work regarding publication did not begin until 2010. Guyana Classics, Parliamentary Speeches and other books published all total 65.
“We have already in the pipeline another 40 books to be published,” the Minister said adding that on a weekly basis manuscripts are received along with ideas for publication. “It shows that through the Caribbean Press there is an upsurge of people wanting to get published, being inspired to write.”
However despite the rapid growth, ‘it has come to a point now where we would seriously have to consider…to start employing some full time people to do the day to day administrative work of the press,’ Minister Anthony observed.
Professor David Dabydeen presenting a collection of the Guyana Classics to a representative of the Bishop’s High School
Professor David Dabydeen presenting a collection of the Guyana Classics to a representative of the Bishop’s High School
In addition to the Caribbean Press, the Minister explained that recognition is being given to writers who are urged to contribute when they visit Guyana. He said some of them have been engaged to host successful workshops for young writers. Two recent ones were done by Janice Shinebourne and Guyatree Bahadur.
“We are playing our role and we are very pleased that the Press has come this far so we can be here today to launch so many books,” Minister Anthony declared.
The Minister also explained that world recognition is also being given to culture as a Millennium Development Goal with writing as a part of it. He lauded this step, stating that without a culture there are a lot of things lacking and that can go wrong in society.
Professor David Dabydeen who voluntary heads the Caribbean Press for the Government of Guyana observed that the body now needs a new structure. He agreed with Minister Anthony that persons would now have to be employed in paid positions considering the amount of work that is planned for the future to publish persons who are rarely heard.
He however pledged that with or without Government funding, the Caribbean Press would still continue.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony addressing the gathering during the launch of the Guyana Classic series at the Umana Yana
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony addressing the gathering during the launch of the Guyana Classic series at the Umana Yana
Cedric Castello of Jamaica who read an excerpt from his publication ‘Rasta Lyrics’ expressed pleasure at seeing the audience at the launch. He explained that persons would feel proud when they see the fruition of their efforts.
Castello expressed his thanks to all who supported his work towards publication, “I have worked and toiled at this, what I call my life’s work using all the innate ability …and what life has taught me, I am willing to share.”
He also commended the Caribbean Press for the work that it has done over the years.
The 20 books launched tonight are as follows:
The Wild Coast – Jan Carew
Other Leopards – Dennis Williams
Heartland – Wilson Harris
Corentyne Thunder – Edgar Mittelholzer
Black Midas – Jan Carew
The Third Temptation – Dennis Williams
Life & Death of Sylvia – Edgar Mittelholzer
Shadows Move Among Them – Edgar Mittelholzer
A Morning at the Office – Edgar Mittelholzer
The Eye of the Scarecrow – Wilson Harris
The Mysterious Association and the Virtu-Gems – Ashley V. Anthony
Rasta Lyrics – Cedric Castello
The Dumb and the Brave – Churaumanie Bissundyal
National Assembly Speeches Vol 1 & 2 – Janet Jagan
National Assembly Speeches Vol 1 – Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham
An Arawak-English Dictionary with an English word-list – John Peter Bennett
Scholar’s Dictionary and Grammar of the Wapishana Language – Wapishana Language Project
The Lure of the Mermaid and other Children’s Stories from Guyana – Janet Jagan
One Hundred Folk Songs of Guyana – Lynette Dolphin
Cloud of Witnesses – Ian McDonald
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