The opening of the documentation Centre is a very important step in the federation’s thrust to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by UNESCO, as it seeks to increase national aptitude in the area of Information Technology, and to achieve its development goals, said the Secretary General of the National Commission, Mr Antonio Maynard.
Mr. Maynard said he was extremely pleased with the level of commitment displayed by consultants and technical assistant Owen Hewitt of the Canada National Commission for UNESCO, who was seconded to the St Kitts Nevis Commission to implement the online library management system as well as the physical research centre housed at the UNESCO office on Cayon Street, Greenlands.
Librarians, students, teachers, educational officials, media personnel and the other on-lookers received a personal overview from Mr. Hewitt. He explained that the information catalogue is available in two formats including print and Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).
The project was supported with the sum of US $17,000.00 and included the setting up of computer stations for users.
It can be accessed from any computer with a web connection at the web address: opac.libraryworld.com. Library world is the software developer which host the catalogue. Once a person arrives on the site they can access the information by entering- Unescodoccentre”, said Mr. Hewitt
The National Commission for UNESCO has successfully led other projects, such as: the launch of the consultation on the National Cultural Policy, hosting of the Climate Change Conference, Membership in the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations and the launch of the Slave Route Project. As commented on by Minister of Education and Information Mr Nigel Carty
Minister Carty was additionally full of praise for Mr Hewitt who he says “went above and beyond the call of duty in ensuring that the Centre was set up in a timely manner and with excellence”. Mr Hewitt was therefore presented with several special tokens from the government and people of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis.
Secretary General Antonio Maynard also publicized his plans for the future to the formation of a Video Conferencing Space which would facilitate the participation of stakeholders in UNESCO’s overseas meeting without having to travel abroad
A General invitation was expressed to the public to visit the documentation centre to access the Online Library at the Greenlands location.