MINISTER of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, said recently that Cabinet has already set aside the necessary funds to have over 30 books by Guyanese writers reprinted and republished as “Guyana Classics.”

The audience at the recent launch. In front row at left are Ministers Frank Anthony and Manniram Prashad. Second from right is Mahadeo’s Brother, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo

He made this announcement on May 29 last at the Indian Monument Gardens, Camp and Church Streets, Georgetown, when Mr. Yog Mahadeo launched “A Garland of Pearls,” a collection of inspirational poems and stories, all written by him.

After completion, the Minister said the books will be handed over to various libraries and a small portion would be placed in book stores for sale.

He also announced that his Ministry intends to launch, within this month, the “Caribbean Publishing House” which would facilitate the publishing of the ‘Guyana Classics’ and would give a voice to young, upcoming writers.

“This will no doubt be useful because many in our country have good ideas, but because of not having a proper publishing system in place, these ideas remain buried,” the Minister said.

Minister Anthony further informed that the Caribbean Publishing House would serve to engage writers, not only from Guyana, but from across the Caribbean as well.

In addition, he said there would be an “expert panel” to determine which books will go forward. He said a number of well-known novelists will also be brought in to conduct workshops for those who are interested in creative writing.

Over last year, the Minister pointed out, Guyana has seen tremendous investment in, not just printing, but in publishing as well.

“We now have all the ingredients where we can nurture our own printing industry. People will now want to publish their books locally. They would not have to go overseas to get their illustrations done in their books,” Anthony remarked.

He noted that the art component of Carifesta last year ‘blew people’s mind’, because many were surprised to find out that Guyana has such talent and is able to produce such quality printing.

“This demonstrates that we can bring all ingredients together and have a very good Guyanese product. Each of us should play our role in bringing forth our dynamism,” the Minister said.

He said, “Yog published his work right here. I’m encouraging others not to go overseas but to make use of local talent.”

Writer Mahadeo, who holds a diploma in Journalism and who presently is the Chief Financial Officer at Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T), said that in the process of compiling his work, he gained much knowledge and experience.

He said the launch comes in the month of May which has been a special month for him personally.

He related that some of the stories are patriotic and that a moral is attached to each one of them.

Underscoring the importance of story telling, Mahadeo referred to all scriptural texts, most of which he said were written in story form.

In attendance also were Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Manniram Prashad; Minister within the Health Ministry, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran; Chief Executive Officer of Berbice Regional Health Authority, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo; Cultural Activist Mr. Petamber Persaud; and Mr. Philbert Gajadar, one of the persons responsible for the illustrations in the book.