By Delicia Janniere
The University of Guyana is at the forefront of a significant initiative aimed at preserving the rich history and culture of Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.
A two-day colloquium has been convened, bringing together historians, librarians, scholars, and students to focus on the establishment of a comprehensive digital archive.
Professor Vibert Cambridge, a facilitator of the colloquium, highlighted the urgent need for digital archiving in the face of the diminishing paper trail culture of traditional archiving methods.
He emphasized the importance of utilizing modern platforms and technologies to not only preserve historical records but also to make them accessible to future generations.
Addressing the challenges ahead, Professor Cambridge stressed the importance of determining the most sustainable platform for digital archiving.
While physical infrastructure has been established, the focus now shifts to building metadata, selecting appropriate platforms, training personnel, and securing funding.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin, urged attendees to chart a course of action to ensure the success of the digital archiving initiative.
She expressed hope that the colloquium would yield important papers and an actionable plan with realistic timelines for implementation.
The first day of the colloquium involved a comprehensive survey of the archive landscape related to festivals, literature, and culture.
Discussions centered on the capabilities, functionality, and sustainability of creating a digital archive accessible to all.
This initiative underscores the commitment of the University of Guyana to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Guyana and the wider Caribbean region for generations to come.