In his remarks, after handing over the books to Education Minister Priya Manickchand at the Education Ministry’s Lot 26 Brickdam premises, Dr Anthony said the donation is just the beginning, since his ministry will be sending another 100 sets for distribution to schools.
Anthony indicated that it is in addition to the books which his ministry would have previously given to various schools over the last two to three years, but is pleased to make the Guyana Classics presentation to the Education Ministry.
He said he fully endorses the drive by that ministry to get more persons to read and to enjoy doing so, noting that through reading persons can gain a lot of knowledge.
Meanwhile, receiving the books on behalf of the Education Ministry, Minister Manickchand expressed gratitude to Dr Anthony and his ministry for the donation of the books, which she assured would be sent off to schools so that Guyana’s children can benefit.
She said she is very proud of the very young Guyanese nation, while highlighting that Guyana has produced renowned writers.
Manickchand disclosed that her colleague Anthony has, innovatively, led a Cabinet initiative that sees the gifted books becoming a part of what is known as the ‘Guyana Classics.’
She supports the idea and is pleased that Guyana’s children will be exposed to the work of other Guyanese, who are ordinary people just like them, but were able to produce extraordinary work.
The literature and history books presented included those by Guyanese authors and poets, such as the first coloured poet in the Caribbean, Egbert Martin and others, among them Cyril Dabydeen, Denis Williams and Martin Carter.
The Education Ministry’s ‘Give a Book’ and ‘Drop Everything and Read’ drive are part of the Education Month 2013 programme in the national effort to raise awareness of the importance of reading, primarily among young people.
