Senior officials visit new National Public Library

Senior officials from the Ministry of Education as well as the Ministry of Transport and Works say that they are looking forward to the day the new National Public Library opens its doors.{{more}}

On a joint walk through of the new facility yesterday, Monday, September 27, Education Minister Girlyn Miguel, under whose

Ministry the project falls, said that she, her Cabinet colleagues

and the entire nation are looking forward to celebrating the great accomplishment, which stands as a testimony to her government’s Education Revolution.

“For us in the Ministry of Education it is a moment of joy, because of what now exists is far below par,” Miguel said.

“The Ministry is lifting up certain watchwords: information for formation and transformation; we are transforming our country through Education.”

Miguel also credited school teachers for their ‘Hats off to Reading’ programs in schools, which she said lifts up the art of Reading.

As the officials, including permanent secretaries in both Ministries, library officials and contractors, toured the facility, works were being done in preparation for a projected year-end opening, with tables, chairs and shelves currently being assembled, as well as a number of finishing touches in various areas.

The library consists of children’s and adult sections, reference areas, multi media and conference rooms, among other sections.

It also boasts a state of the art security system, elevator and book lift.

Also expressing a sense of joy was Transport and Works Minister Clayton Burgin, who noted that the library, which stands on approximately 29,000 square feet of land and two floors, was possibly one of the better facilities in the OECS, if not the wider CARICOM.

The Minister also credited the various contractors for a job well done after the tour of the close to 30-room facility, which was conducted by Desmond Cox, a representative of Tomlin Voss Associates (TVA), the project consultants.

“Vincentians would be very proud of the state of development that is taking place in this country. It is a joy to be standing in the national library.”

Burgin indicated that the library was part of the project, which also includes the Archives and Documentation centre, as well as a National Auditorium, which he said is soon to come on stream.

The project also includes the relocation of the YWCA building and the Kingstown Technical Institute.

The project, which is funded by the Republic of China on Taiwan, is valued at approximately EC $50 million. (JJ)