THE Caribbean Press, headed by Dr. David Dabydeen, on Monday launched another six books in the Guyana Classics Series, bringing to 26 the total number of volumes so far on the catalogue. The launch, at which Professor Dabydeen of Warwick University was present, was held at the Umana Yana, Kingston, and attracted a modest gathering, including Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony; Permanent Secretary, Mr. Alfred King; Mrs. Carmen Jarvis, former Secretary General of UNESCO;  Members of the Diplomatic Corps; Mr. Clive Lloyd; Mr. George Simon, Winner of the Caribbean Nobel Prize;  Professor Marlene Cox, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (ag) and others. Chairing the programme was Mr. Petamber Persaud.
Dr. Anthony, in brief remarks, said he was extremely pleased about this accomplishment, especially since there were doubts in some quarters that it could not be done. He congratulated the tenacity and hard work of the robust and very active Caribbean Press, comprising Professor Dabydeen and others, some of whom were present. Dr. Anthony said “I am very pleased that David has sponsored another six books in the Guyana Classics Series, since not so long ago a lot of people were skeptical about whether or not a project like this would really come to fruition in Guyana.”
The Caribbean Press, he noted, comprised Professor Dabydeen and a group of friends who have been doing the extra bit to see the work come to fruition. Such persons include the authors of the books launched on this occasion. The books launched in the series were:

* British Policy towards the Amerindians in British Guiana 1803- 1873   by Sister Mary N. Menezes   R.S.M.
* Short Stories by Cyril Babydeen
* The New Slavery – An account of the Indian and Chinese Immigration of British Guiana … by Joseph Beaumont Esquire.
* Selected Poems by Elly Niland
* Select Poems by Maggie Harris
* Unclosed Entrance by Sasenarine Persaud

The books launched in the series, Dr. Anthony said, give a very interesting overview of Guyana from a historic perspective, from a literary perspective and so many other facets.   He said what is even more significant is that there are still very many people (especially our younger generation) who still do not realize the depth of our literary tradition.
These books, the minister said, will offer people an opportunity to understand that we, as a country, have a really strong literary readership. He concluded by signaling his deep appreciation for the work Professor Dabydeen and his team have been doing. Dr. Anthony thanked Sister Mary Menezes, who kindly consented for her manuscript to be published as part of the Guyana Classics Series.
Meanwhile, Professor Dabydeen gave a brief overview of the Guyana Classics Series and acknowledged the contributions of those who worked towards making this venture a success. He was especially grateful to former President Bharrat Jagdeo and others for being ‘completely supportive of the project’.
The others include Dr. Balkan and Professor Freddie Seecharran from Guyana, who have written extensive scholarly introductions; Dr. Anne Marie and Professor Eddie Bowen of Jamaica; Professor James Walvin of the University of York, England;  Professor Cheddar Bernard, Chairman of the History Department of London University, and several others.
Professor Dabydeen also announced several new editions to be launched next year, including a book of stories for children – the very first book written by a child, for children. This book is authored by 13-year-old Ashley Anthony, daughter of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Frank Anthony. He said, too, that the Caribbean Press has already embarked on publishing contemporary writings – books on drama, on Rastafarianism, a book of Amerindian folk songs among others.
Copies of the series launched on Monday were presented to the University of Guyana and the National Library, with other complimentary copies to be issued to select organizations.
Dr. Merlene Cox received the books on behalf of the University of Guyana, while Ms. Merle James, Chief Librarian of the National Library, received on behalf of that institution.