Culture Minister Dr Frank Anthony says that during 2011 the government will be investing $8M in expanding the storage capacity of the Walter Rodney National Archives and will commence digitising the country’s archival records. “Given the technological progress that has been made globally, and the investments and developments that will be made in the ICT sector in Guyana, it is imperative that we focus on digitizing our archival records,” Anthony said on Thursday. He was at the time addressing the National Assembly as the budget debate continued. He said that preliminary efforts will commence this year.
Meanwhile, the minister said his ministry will investigate the feasibility of partnering with the University of Guyana to introduce a certification programme at the National Dance School. This, Anthony said, would allow for the 500 students who attend the school to receive a certificate upon graduation. Anthony said also that since the National Dance School services mainly Georgetown, his ministry will “work with partners on a programme to develop regional dance schools.” These schools, Anthony said, will help nurture the creative talents across Guyana and allow the participants and performers to be affiliated to the National Dance School. The Minister said too that this year, a National Music School will be established. This, he said, will lay the foundation for a strong music sector by providing “certified practical and theoretical training.”
Meanwhile, regarding upgrading of the national youth policy Anthony explained that his ministry had recruited a consultant financed by the UNDP to update the policy. According to him, the preliminary report produced was not accepted by the youth advisory board that has been appointed. “This year we will renew our quest to find a suitable consultant to assist in the formulation of the youth policy,” Anthony promised.
Anthony said too that a new monument will be erected this year, which will memorialize those who participated in the 1823 slave rebellion on the East Coast of Demerara. In addition, the minister said that “significant sums” had been budgeted for the rehabilitation of the 1763 monument. This restoration, Anthony said, would include fixing the fountain, lights and to landscape the surrounding environment.
