(NATCOM) – Basseterre, 21 April 2016: The National Commission for UNESCO is urging persons in the Federation to join in the observance of World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, 2016.
The observance highlighted by UNESCO on an annual basis is an important date for World literature as it symbolizes the impact of literature on civilization.
The specific date was chosen because interestingly, well-known authors including Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la vega all died on that date in 1616. Other well known authors such as Maurice Druon, Vladmir Nabokov, Haldor K Laxness, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejia Vallejo were also born or died on that day.
As of 1995 when UNESCO’s General Conference took that decision to observe the day, attempts have been made to have young persons “discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.”
Incheon, Korea was chosen this year as the “World Book Capital” in recognition of its programme to promote reading among young people and the underprivileged in the community.
The choice is made annually effective April 23rd by UNESCO and the International Organizations representing the three sectors of the book industry including publishers, book sellers and libraries.
Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO Mr. Antonio Maynard has communicated with schools and Media Houses in an effort to garner support for the observance of World Book and Copyright Day on Saturday.
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