South Africa donates books to Jamaica National Heritage Trust

The links between Jamaica and South Africa were further strengthened on Thursday, September 28, 2006 with the donation of a set of books by the South African High Commission to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust. The books, which cover a wide range of historical, social and political topics, were presented at a function in the Legislative Assembly of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

Professor Verene Shepherd, chair of the JNHT Board of Trustees and Mrs. Laleta Davis Mattis, executive director, accepted the books on behalf of the organisation.

In her address, South African High Commissioner Faith Radebe, noted that her office places great importance on the relationship between South Africa and Jamaica. She noted that the gift of the books is the first symbolic gesture as part of a larger plan to solidify bilateral relationship.

The books include “Africa Define Yourself” by Thabo Mbeki; “Apartheid Past, Renaissance Future” edited by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos; “Season of Hope” by Alan Hirsch; “Wild Kruger” a visual celebration of Africa’s premier national park; and the official Field Guide to the “Cradle of Humankind,” which, according to the High Commissioner, she hopes will provide information on our common ancestry.

September is set aside as Heritage Month in South Africa. It is in that spirit therefore that the High Commission made the presentation to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust.

And in lauding the move by the South African High Commission, Professor Shepherd noted that this represents the first donation of books to the JNHT’s fledgling library project. She highlighted the importance of the upcoming resource centre as part of the Trust’s role in facilitating information on heritage to Jamaicans. She also noted that at least one other foreign mission in Jamaica has offered to donate books to the JNHT’s resource centre.

book presentation.jpg

South African High Commissioner to Jamaica Faith Radebe (left) presents copies of some books on her country’s heritage to Chair of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) Professor Verene Shepherd (centre) and JNHT’s Executive Director Mrs. Laleta Davis Mattis. The presentation was made at function held at the JNHT’s Duke Street office on Thursday, September 28, 2006. The books cover a wide range of historical, social and political topics.

South African High Commissioner Faith Radebe (centre) looks on as Chair of the Jamaica National Heritage Trust Professor Verene Shepherd (left) and Mr. Wesley Vanriel of the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture take a closer look at one of the books that the High Commission donated to the Jamaica National Heritage Trust’s library. The books cover a wide range of historical, social and political topics.