Preserving Our Literary Heritage…
IN THE world of literature, we often say there is nothing new under the sun; just innovations, new approaches to same old story, and new points of entry. A few recent literary events may just test that old saying, “there is nothing new under the sun.” World Book and Copyright Day 2010
For World Book and Copyright Day, April 23, 2010, the National Library of Guyana, along with the regular fare of mounting a book exhibition, marked that day with a tree planting exercise.

The tree-planting exercise was indeed a novel way to celebrate World Book Day. The main idea of the tree-planting exercise was a gesture to replenish the earth with the material used in the making of books.

World Book and Copyright Day was established in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This move resulted from the deliberation of its General Conference, a move that would serve as a worldwide celebration of books, to promote reading, to encourage publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

The General Conference, in a proclamation then, stated “that historically, books have been the most powerful factor in the dissemination of knowledge, and the most accurate means of preserving it… and that all moves to promote their dissemination will serve not only greatly to enlighten all those who have access to them, but also to develop fuller collective awareness of cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire behaviour based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.”

Launch of two Brazilian books in Guyana
On Friday May 14, 2010, two Brazilian books were launched in Guyana. That was an unprecedented moment in the history of this country, and in the annals of the country’s literary heritage.

The two books, ‘Have You Heard The Owl Hooting?’ by Miguel Nenevé and Rose Siepamann, and ‘Outros Tempos E Outras Historias (Other Times and Other Histories)’ also by Nenevé. Both books were collections of short stories. ‘Have you Heard the Owl Hooting?’ is bilingual — Portuguese and English, which augurs well in bridging the cultural gap between Guyana and Brazil.

That historic book launch was a manifestation of literature without border. 

Nenevé is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Rondonia, Brazil, and visiting professor at the University of Guyana, where he is working on a project titled, ‘Voices From The Border: Guyanese Literature From Post-Colonial Perspective’.

The Birthday Literary Lime
Started in May 2009, my Birthday Literary Lime is here again. Everyone involved, in one way or the other, contended that it was indeed a novel way to celebrate a birth anniversary instead of ‘the eat, drink, be merry way’. Let me hasten to add, however, that there is nothing wrong with ‘the eat, drink, and be merry way’ to celebrate. But I wanted to celebrate my birth anniversary with a literary lime, and it was fulfilling.

The birthday literary lime was initiated to offer writers another platform to express themselves in an informal setting. There was no set programme to follow; as the writers feel moved, they would grab the microphone and perform.

The birthday literary lime also induced others to have a go at reciting poems, tell stories, crack jokes, give inspiring titbits. Some of the older folks took the opportunity to go back — way, way back — to their school days and regurgitate soliloquies and other famous passages from the classics.

Present at that first birthday lime were the likes of Prof. Selwyn Cudjoe, who read the poetry of Webber from the recently launched book on Webber by Cudjoe; Robert Fernandes, who, in his inimical staid and quiet way, unleashed many gems of his writings; the performance poets, Kojo McPherson, Rochelle Christie, Yaphet Jackman, Jamal LaRose, and others.

Significantly, a book resulted from that first birthday literary lime. Gary Thompson, who had nothing to perform, was inspired to be prepared for such occasions. He went forth and composed a book of inspiring poems, which has become a staple for ‘Inspire the Youth, Inspire Change’ foundation.

That initiative was continued in 2010 when Etwaria Rampertab celebrated his birthday in April with a literary lime. At that occasion, there were moves afoot to formalise the birthday literary lime, as many persons present then indicated their intent to celebrate in similar fashion.

Three cheers for literary innovations!
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WHAT’S HAPPENING:
* Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at 1700h: THE JOURNEY, an evening of literature, Part XI, Castellani House. The theme for the event is: ‘Anatomy of Independence’ featuring literary works that explore challenges and victories on the route to attaining [political] independence. All are invited.