The Government of Mexico handed over some 500 Spanish language books to the library of the University of Guyana,  yesterday, in a presentation which took place in the foyer of the library at the University’s Turkeyen Campus, East Coast  demerara.
The books, valued at $1M, encompass Mexican writers ranging from the sixteenth to the twentieth century.  Among the  items were the works of celebrated poets, as well as a collection of manuals for the teaching of Spanish and basic  information on other disciplines such as Geography, History, Natural Science and Mathematics.
Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Fernando Sandoval, stated at the event that the Embassy is initiating a major effort  to project the presence of Mexican culture in Guyana. He said,  “Knowledge between different cultures enables men and  nations to build and develop joint initiatives conducive to progress in the fields of economic and social growth, and face  the enormous challenges and opportunities of today’s globalised world”.
He voiced the hope that with the donation, the Embassy of Mexico will inaugurate close cooperation in various fields  of artistic and intellectual endeavors with UG.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Lawrence Carrington, expressed gratitude for the donation, saying that  the collection was a welcome addition to the University’s Spanish language materials. Carrington stated that it was a  thoughtful choice of gift, explaining that regardless of contemporary technology, a book remains important proof of the  writer’s art and an intimate bond between writer and reader.
Carrington said that reference is often made to Guyana’s unique situation as the only English speaking country on the  South American continent, and the gift expands possibilities for supporting the teaching of Spanish, the appreciation of  thought expressed by persons for whom it is a mother tongue, and for linking Guyana into the cultural network that binds  central and South America. He revealed that UG is planning to  host a lecturer from Mexico and will be hosting a Mexican  film Festival by the end of March.University of Guyana librarian Ms. Gwyneth George, who chaired the proceedings, expressed gratitude for the gift.
The Mexican Embassy also recently made a significant donation of books and journals to the National Library.