Role for Librarians as Leaders in ICT Sector Development – Minister Falconer

Librarians will play a leadership role in developing government’s framework for the ICT sector said Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, at the annual President’s Banquet of the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJ), in Kingston on Saturday, February 4.
 
Minister Falconer said, “Your organisation, the Library and Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA)) is poised to play a critical role in this process by providing leadership and development in the information field and to encourage learning and facilitating access to information. Your members are information professionals who possess the requisite skills and competencies that can be applied to a variety of work settings that will ensure the attainment of a knowledge society by 2030."
 
Noting that Jamaica is at a crucial point in the growth of the ICT sector, Minister Falconer said, “The government commits to the use of digital technologies and networks as effective tools to allow for public access to information.  We will enable a legal environment that facilitates the development of a vibrant information and knowledge based society."
 
LIAJ President and Government Archivist, Claudette Thomas, assured the Minister that the association intended to align its programmes with the national agenda.
 
“Our association is cognizant that only through collaboration with key stakeholders, that we can make significant contribution to the development of Jamaica,” she said.
 
Ms Thomas also noted that the association aimed to move towards a regulatory framework for library professionals, similar to what is done in the medical profession.
 
In her remarks, Chief Justice and Chairman of Archives Advisory Committee, Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla, said the matter of recordkeeping is of very great importance to the Supreme Court, as it is vital that records are easily accessible to litigants. The facilities of the Supreme Court are currently being expanded.
 
The LIAJ inducted three outstanding librarians as Honourary Members. They are: Ms Stephaney Ferguson; Mrs. Albertino Jefferson and Ms. Norma Amenu-Kpodo. 
 
The association’s theme for the Jamaica 50 commemorations is “Capacity building for development."