News Releases

UWI Alma Jordan Library's Special Collections Receive WAND Archives

For Release Upon Receipt - November 14, 2023

St. Augustine


 

 Back Row Standing: Left to Right: Leah Fletcher (Director WAND); Allison Dolland (Deputy Campus Librarian); Lorraine Nero, Head-West Indiana and Special Collections (WISC), UWI; Dr Karen Eccles Historian and WISC Librarian. Seated: Left to Right: Gloria Nelson (former Director WAND); Jan Bocas-Ryan (Fromer Secretary/Director WAND); Mona Khan (Fromer President of WAND); Wendy Voss (Former WAND); Dawn Seepersad (former Director WAND).

 

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. November 14, 2023- Women in Action for the Needy and Destitute (WAND) have contributed significantly to The University of The West Indies' (The UWI) Alma Jordan Library by entrusting their archives to the library. Recognising the value of preserving our collective past, back on September 20th  WAND handed over a special collection to the AJL that complemented 172 other distinguished special collections of rare Caribbean materials, some dating back to the 1600s. These collections hold immense historical value and The UWI remains dedicated to ensuring easy access for local, regional, and international researchers through our online archives.  

 The WAND Special Collection chronicles the work of the organization for the last 25 years and the acquisition of this collection is significant because of its uniqueness and its potential for high-level research. Historical and contemporary resources on women and their role in the development of our society are critical as they illuminate areas that have been understudied or represent unique perspectives. Over the years, WAND has undertaken transformative work and through their efforts, this valuable addition will enhance the library's extensive collection of rare Caribbean materials, benefiting researchers and society as a whole.

 Mr. Frank Soodeen, Campus Librarian, emphasized the crucial role played by historical and contemporary resources in highlighting the often overlooked or unique perspectives of women in society's development.

 “The WAND Special Collection is not only immensely significant due to its distinctive nature but also serves as a catalyst for in-depth research on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) as dynamic agents of positive change,” indicated Mr. Soodeen. “These organizations encompass a wide spectrum of roles and functions critical in addressing complex societal challenges. NGOs like WAND, through their stanch dedication, contribute to advancing humanity toward a more equitable, just, and sustainable world,” he added. Mrs. Jan Bocas-Ryan, a founding member and former leader, along with Mrs. Mona Khan, former President and Director of WAND, expressed heartfelt gratitude to The UWI for making this wealth of information accessible to the local, regional, and international community.

 Noteworthy among the Alma Jordan Library’s Special Collections are the Derek Walcott, C.L.R. James, and Eric Williams Memorial Library Collections, all of which hold places on the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register. The preservation and accessibility of such materials are vital, not only for future generations but also for addressing contemporary challenges. The UWI has consistently prioritized the preservation of the region's documentary heritage, acknowledging its pivotal role in learning from the past. This heritage contributes to building more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societies and provides valuable insights into addressing current crises by drawing from the wisdom of past responses.

 Online archives of the Alma Jordan Library are available at: https://archivespace.sta.uwi.edu/repositories/2/resources

 

 END

 

[Left to Right] Ms. Lorraine Nero, Head-West Indiana and Special Collections (WISC) UWI , Ms. Jan Bocas-Ryan (Fromer Secretary/Director WAND), Ms. Allison Dolland (Deputy Campus Librarian), Dr Karen Eccles Historian and WISC Librarian and Ms. Mona Khan (Fromer President of WAND) at the WAND handing over ceremony.

 

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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