THE Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in collaboration with renowned writers Professor David Dabydeen and Dr. Ian Mc Donald on Thursday launched the second set of Guyana Classics Library books, consisting of seven new volumes, at the Umana Yana. Some of the titles include “The Discoverie of Guiana,” “The Coolie” and “The Demerara Martyr” among others.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the Caribbean Press has done extraordinary work for the country and the Caribbean and will continue to do so.
He added that by 2011, all 36 volumes of the books would be published, as monies have already been allocated for that purpose.
Previous publications of the books have been distributed to the National Library and University of Guyana library, as well as secondary schools.
In addition, copies of the books are  available at Austin’s Book Store, on Church Street.
The Minister expressed hope that teachers will encourage the students to utilise the books for them to learn more about the history of the country.
To stimulate young writers to start writing about contemporary Guyana, the Ministry will implement the “festival of words,” where they will have the opportunity to possibly publish their writings.
In addition, Minister Anthony highlighted that the resolution that Parliament passed in remembrance of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan would ensure that all his speeches be compiled and made available to the public.
He noted that the publication would be considered a treasure of information and in 2011 the first will be published.
The works of other presidents would also be remembered as their speeches would also be publicised, including the late Janet Jagan and Forbes Burnham.
Government is committed to ensuring that the Guyana Prize for literature continues and as such allocated funds to the prize. Another category will be implemented, which will see a person from the Caribbean participating.
The cover of the publication of the speeches of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan was unveiled subsequent to the Minister’s address.
Mc Donald noted that the books are essential for the young generation, as it is important to know and understand the history and culture of the country, which each of the books envisions.
He highlighted that the process of discussing the idea of retrieving the books was fun and brought intellectual excitement and was grateful for President Bharrat Jagdeo’s approval to turn the idea into reality.
Mc Donald emphasised that the country has a remarkable level of writing and books should not be allowed to go out of print.
In addition, he noted that the Guyana Classics complement the original idea of the Guyana Prize for literature and suggested that it be re-implemented.
Dabydeen expressed gratitude to President Jagdeo, Minister Anthony and others who have given their support to have the books published and encouraged persons to have a copy of each volume.
A presentation of the Guyana Classics was made to the University of Guyana’s library, the National Library and the National Archives.
The “Guyana Classics” initiative emerged at a meeting between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Professor David Dabydeen during Guyana’s hosting of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) X in 2008.
The books were published by the Caribbean Printing Press which falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport.