CARBICA News December 2018 - Upcoming Events
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CARBICA News
December 2018
Upcoming Events:
March 25-28, 2019: Paramaribo, Suriname
CARBICA XI General Assembly Suriname
“Archives at Risk” / Election new Executive
Committee CARBICA
Frontcover: Painting Patrice Priard (Haiti)
Backcover: Painting Ségolène Lavaud Michal (Haiti)
www.carbica.org
CARBICA News is the Newsletter of the Caribbean Regional Branch of the In- CARBICA News est le Bulletin de la Direction régionale des Caraïbes du Conseil
ternational Council on Archives. It is published twice a year and distributed to international des archives. Il est publié deux fois par an et distribué aux mem-
CARBICA members by mail. Communications Committee Editors: bres de CARBICA par email. Rédacteurs Comité de communications:
Max Scriwanek, Stanley Griffin, Stephanie Dargaud. Please submit your con- Max Scriwanek, Stanley Griffin, Stephanie Dargaud. Veuillez soumettre votre
tent to: scriwanek@nationalarchives.cw. Layout : Max Scriwanek. contenu à: scriwanek@nationalarchives.cw. Mise en page: Max Scriwanek.
Membership Fees: Membership Contact: Frais d’adhésion: Adhésion Contact:
Category A: US$ 150 Avril Belfon, Treasurer a.i. Catégorie A: US $ 150 Avril Belfon, trésorier a.i.
Category B: US$ 100 105 St. Vincent Street, Port Catégorie B: US $ 100 105 St. Vincent Street, Port of
of Spain Spain
Category C: US$ 75 (Trinidad and Tobago) Catégorie C: US $ 75 (Trinidad and Tobago)
Category D: US$ 30 avril.belfon@archives.gov.tt Catégorie D: US $ 30 avril.belfon@archives.gov.tt
T: (868) 625-2689 T: (868) 625-2689
2 CARBICA News, December 2018
About CARBICA: À propos de CARBICA
The mission of the International Council on Archives La mission du Conseil international des archives (ICA)
(ICA) is to promote the preservation and use of ar- est de promouvoir la conservation et l’utilisation
chives around the world. In pursuing this mission, des archives dans le monde entier. Dans la pour-
ICA works for the protection and enhancement of suite de cette mission, l’ICA s’efforce de protéger et
the memory of the world and to improve commu- de valoriser la mémoire du monde et d’améliorer la
nication while respecting cultural diversity. The Ca- communication tout en respectant la diversité cul-
ribbean Regional Branch (CARBICA) is responsible turelle. La Direction régionale des Caraïbes (CAR-
for carrying out the policy and programmes of ICA BICA) est responsable de l’exécution de la politique
in its region, where these are relevant to CARBICA et des programmes de l’ICA dans sa région, où elles
members. sont pertinentes pour les membres de CARBICA
The 2014-2018 Officers Les administrateurs de 2014-
President : Rita Tjien Fooh, (National Archivist 2018:
Suriname) Président: Rita Tjien Fooh, (National Archivist
Vice President: Avril Belfon (Government Archi- Suriname)
vist Trinidad and Tobago) Vice-Président: Avril Belfon (Government Archi-
Secretary: Karla Hayward (former National Archi- vist Trinidad and Tobago)
vist Bermuda) Secrétaire: Karla Hayward (former National
Treasurer a.i. : Avril Belfon (Government Archi- Archivist Bermuda)
vist Trinidad and Tobago) Trésorier a.i.: Avril Belfon (Government Archivist
Trinidad and Tobago)
Upcoming Events: À Venir:
March 25-28, 2019: Mars 25-28, 2019:
CARBICA XI General Assembly Suriname CARBICA XI Assemble General Suriname
“Archives at Risk” “Archives à risque”
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 3
In this Issue:
From our President ................................................................................ 5
Caribbean Archives Reader Published .................................. 6
CARBICA Rewards Student Excellence ................................ 7
The Belize Archives and Records Service:
Preserving Belize’s Documentary Heritage over the Years ....... 8
Government of Jamaica RIM Policy and Programme 2018....... 11
“Prevention is better than cure”: ICA-CARBICA hosts Disaster
Recovery and Heritage Preservation Working Conference ...... 12
UWI Archives Student internship in New York ............................ 14
“Stepping Stone to Becoming an Archivist”: My Internship
at The Jamaica Archives ................................................................ 15
An Opportunity of a Lifetime: The New Professional Experience
at the ICA Conference 2018 - Yaoundé, Cameroon ................. 16
The Religious Side of The UWI: The Archives of UTCWI ........ 18
Jamaican Archives and Records Professionals Visit China ..... 20
...and the Best Wishes for 2019
Resolution adopted by participants CARBICA working conference
to form a Caribbean Heritage Emergency Network (CHEN) .... 22 Rita Tjien Fooh, president
4 CARBICA News, December 2018
From our President .... step up and assume their responsibility to work together
towards the success of CHEN.
Another long term project CARBICA initiated this year was
Dear CARBICAns, to engage young professionals in our activities and projects
by offering them a bursary to participate in our events. We
The CARBICA Communication team has worked hard to also offered ‘CARBICA Prize’s ‘ to students who achieved ex-
publish the third edition of our Newsletter before the cellent grades and skills in the Masters program Archives
end of 2018. I do hope that our Newsletter has serves its and Records Management at the University of the West
purposes to keep you updated about our activities and Indies. Our aim is to engage more young professionals in
projects. The main focus of this year activities and proj- the region coming from different Universities in CARBICA
ects were related to ‘Archives at Risk’ in the region and activities.
more specifically to disaster preparedness and - man- The past four years (2014- 2018) has gone by very swiftly
agement. Hurricane ‘Irma, Maria and Jose’ has forced and although we were confronted by several huge chal-
us to face the harsh reality that our institutions are still lenges, we were able to stand by our members and offer
not prepared to handle the effects caused by natural (or them moral and financial support! As President of CARBICA
manmade) disasters. In this regard we need to collabo- I sincerely thank my Executive Committee for supporting
rate intensively with each other and share our limited me during our four year term . My thanks also to our moth-
resources to safeguard and preserve our documentary er organisation, the International Council on Archives (ICA)
heritage for future generations. for supporting CARBICA through difficult times!
CARBICans, we don’t have the luxury to sit still and wait Last but not least, I want to draw your attention to the fact
for the next natural disaster to happen! At the working that the term of the CARBICA EC has come to its end this
conference ‘ Regional Approaches to disaster recovery year. Kindly note that the election for the new CARBICA EC
and heritage preservation’ held in Sint Maarten in July will be held in March 2019 during our General Assembly.
the participants adopted a resolution, calling for the This event will be held ......
establishment of a Caribbean Heritage Emergency Net- Yeahhhhh in SURINAME!
work (CHEN). CHEN will be the Caribbean expert orga- I hope to welcome you all in my home country. In the com-
nization on safeguarding cultural heritage and CHEN ing weeks we will circulate detailed information about the
experts will provide training in preparedness, response, election and the programme of the CARBICA conference.
recovery and mitigation. This Network will be launched
at our upcoming General Assembly. Happy Holidays & my best wishes for 2019 to all CARBI-
The CARIBICA Executive Committee are aware that the Cans.
success of CHEN will depend on the full commitment
and engagement of its members. As President of this or- Rita Tjien Fooh
ganisation I have the confidence that all CARBICans will President CARBICA- rita.tjienfooh@gmail.com
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 5
CARIBBEAN ARCHIVES READER Published!
serve the oppressed rather than the oppressors, the colonized
rather than the colonizers, is the central theme of this Reader.”
John Aarons,
Jamaica Continuing, it says that “This collection seeks to disrupt tradi-
tional notions of archives, instead re-imagining records within
the context of Caribbean cultures and identities where the oral
may be privileged over the written, the creative design over text,
A milestone in the regional profession was achieved with the marginal over the mainstream. Envisioned initially as a foun-
the recent publication of a Caribbean Archives Reader, dational text that supports the archives education program at
the first comprehensive work on Caribbean Archives the University of the West Indies and documents the history and
since the publication in 1965 of the Report of the first Ca- development of archives and records in the Caribbean, this vol-
ribbean Archives Conference. ume addresses such issues as oral traditions, records repatriation,
community archives, cultural forms and format and diasporic col-
Entitled, “Decolonising the Caribbean Record: An Ar- lections. Although focused on the Caribbean region, the essays,
chives Reader”, it contains essays from forty (40) con- ranging from the theoretical to the practice-based to the person-
tributors, roughly two thirds of whom (mainly archivists, al are applicable to the global archival concerns of all decolonized
record managers, librarians, historians) are from the Ca- societies.”
ribbean region. Among the contributors are the present
president of CARBICA and five (5) former presidents as It is hoped that this volume – the compilation of which was in-
well as other members. spired by the introduction of the Archives Programme at the De-
partment of Library and Information Studies (DLIS), at UWI, Mona
According to the publishers blurb (taken from the Intro- – will fill a gap in archives studies not only in the region but in
duction by the editors, Jeannette Bastian, John Aarons former colonial societies which have undergone similar historical
and Stanley Griffin), the volume addresses the “challeng- experiences.
es of collecting, representing and preserving the records
and cultural expressions of former colonial societies, ex- Published by Litwin Books, LLC, an archival publishing house in
ploring the contribution of these records to nation-build- the United States of America, it is # 8 in the series on Archives,
ing. How the power of the archives can be subverted to Archivists and Society, which is edited by Richard Cox. The book is
available from the publishers as well as from Amazon.
6 CARBICA News, December 2018
CARBICA REWARDS STUDENT EXCELLENCE
Stanley H. Griffin, PhD Other prizes were presented to Archival Studies students, namely:
Jamaica • The RECORDS MANAGEMENT PRIZE for the most outstanding
Academic performance in the Postgraduate Course, “Records Man-
agement in a Digital Age”: ARCM 6004: which went to Nicoleen
Saunders-Grant
In an Awards Ceremony held at Mona Campus of The University of
the West Indies, the Faculty of Humanities and Education celebrat- • The IDEAL RECORD KEEPER PRIZE for the most outstanding Aca-
ed the hard work and academic achievements of its undergradu- demic performance in the “Practicum in Archives and Records
ate and postgraduate students. For the first time, students pursuing Management: ARCM 6005”, which was presented to Stephen But-
the Archives and Records Management degrees were recognised ters
for archival courses. CARBICA, having been very supportive of the
programme from its earliest conceptualisation days, sponsored the • PRESERVATION MANAGEMENT for the most outstanding Aca-
award prizes for two (2) courses, demic Performance in the Undergraduate Course, “Preservation
Management for Libraries and Information Units”: LIBS 3702: which
• CARBICA PRIZE for the most outstanding Academic Performance was presented Fiona Hutchinson
in the Postgraduate Course, “Acquisition, Organisation and Use of
Archival Materials”: ARCM 6002, which was shared by two (2) stu- Dr Stanley Griffin represented the CARBICA Executive and present-
dents: Demar Ludford and Nicoleen Saunders-Grant, both Jamaican ed awards on the behalf of Association.
students The Graduate Programme in Archives and Records Management
Studies, as well as the Undergraduate BA in Information Studies,
• CARBICA PRIZE for the most outstanding Academic Performance continue to grow and the Department of Library and Information
in the Postgraduate Course, “Preservation of Archival Materials in Studies is grateful for the support of CARBICA and its membership
Tropical Environments”: ARCM 6003:, which went to Karris Marin- for providing opportunities for internship, professional mentor-
McLetchie, a student residing in Trinidad and Tobago ship and the kind sponsorship of student awards.
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 7
The Belize Archives and Records Service: Preserving Belize’s Docu
Kevin Montero, Deputy Director
Belize Archives and Records Service
The Belize Archives and Records Service (BARS) owes its ex-
istence to the late Mr. Leo H. Bradley Sr., then Chief Librarian
of the National Library Service, who knew the great value
of the “old” records and manuscripts and sought to ensure
these would be preserved for future generations. The first
home of the archives was the National Collection Room at
the Bliss Institute Library in Belize City. In 1964 the BARS
became a Department and was moved to the capital, Bel-
mopan. Four years later, the late Clinton Black, then Govern-
ment Archivist of Jamaica, conducted an assessment and
made important recommendations for improving the pres-
ervation of archival records.
From its humble beginnings with a staff of four employees,
it has grown to a department of twenty-eight technical and
support staff. It is comprised of four technical units: Preser-
vation Unit responsible for paper restoration and conserva-
tion; Audio-visual Unit responsible for the management and
preservation of audio-visual archives; Records Management
Unit responsible for the implementation of records manage-
ment systems within government departments and guid-
8 CARBICA News, December 2018
umentary Heritage over the Years
ance in proper recordkeeping; and the User Services
Unit responsible for the collection, management
and access to archival records.
It has grown from a mere repository of records into
a Department that takes a proactive approach to
providing technical advice in handling and care of
records, conservation and disaster preparedness,
records and information management services, ar-
chives management, preservation, collection, access
and awareness campaigns through publicity and
outreach programs. In addition, it is proud to be cus-
todian of the largest collection of primary records of
Belize outside of the National Archives of the United
Kingdom. One of the primary functions of the BARS
is to provide access to students and researchers to
its extensive collection of archival records which of-
fer a valuable panorama of the historical, cultural
and political development of the Belize.
Recent initiatives by the Government of Belize has
given the BARS the opportunity to take an active
role in the development of the National E-Gover-
nance Strategy for the public sector. Technical sup-
port has been provided, with the assistance of a
consultant, in the development of a BARS-led con-
cept paper and project initiation documents for a
“Records, Information and Archives Strategy for the
Public Service of Belize”. It is expected that these
efforts will contribute to the control, preservation,
exchange and access to electronic records. In addi-
tion, the BARS has adapted the government’s Cen-
tral Information Technology Office’s computer net-
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 9
work administration for increased control and
security to our expanding electronic archiving
capacity.
In 2015, the construction of a first floor to the
main building was undertaken to house: three
Units, a server room, an audio-visual labora-
tory, conference room, kitchenette, and the
Director’s office. The Department has invested
recently in the maximization of its floor space
to improve the working environment for staff.
Recently, it undertook a complete review of the
three storerooms, deconstructed and rebuilt
shelving to maximize the existing floor space
available for records storage. A metal platform
and stairs were constructed to provide easier
access to boxes located on top of shelves that
are over twelve feet high. For the past twelve
years, the BARS has managed an off-site Re-
cords Centre for inactive public-sector records.
The Director, Dr. Herman Byrd, is coordinat-
ing a research project for the Ministry of For-
eign Affairs that is aimed at collecting relevant
documents not only at BARS but also at other
government ministries showing British and Be-
lizean administration of the country from the
1800s to the present. Belize and Guatemala
signed a Special Agreement in 2008 to submit
the dispute to judicial settlement ad referen-
dum. The valuable work of preserving Belize’s
archival records that begun in the 1960s and
has continued over the years may play a lead-
ing role in upholding Belize’s case for its sover-
eignty, independence and territorial integrity.
10 CARBICA News, December 2018Government of Jamaica RIM Policy and Programme
2018
Claudette Thomas, Government Archivist Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Education, Youth and In-
Jamaica formation (MoEYI) and the Jamaica Archives and Records
Department (JARD) was executed by the respective en-
tity heads in August 2016 to govern the implementation
A records and information management policy is that best of the Government of Jamaica (GoJ) Records and Infor-
practice tool which is a cornerstone of effective manage- mation Management (RIM) Programme. This initiative
ment of records and information within a country or an was designed within the context of government efficien-
organization. It serves as a mandate for recordkeeping cies and service delivery themes of improved integration
activities and provide a framework for supporting docu- of government information infrastructures and systems
Government Archivist, ments such as procedures manuals, administrative rules, and for enhanced service delivery, through the develop-
Claudette Thomas (JARD) and classification schemes, retention and disposition sched- ment and implementation of an effective Government-
Honourable Minister of MoEYI, ules and among others. wide RIM Programme. Based on the approved Cabinet
Senator Ruel Reid Decision of July 9, 2018, Jamaica can confidently state it
In staying true to this ethos, the Government of Jamaica has adopted a new RIM Vision of:
Records and Information Management (GoJ RIM) Policy “An integrated, standardised and secure RIM sys-
was launched on Thursday, October 4, 2018 as led by the tem which facilitates access to Government information
Honourable Minister of Education, Youth and Information, and archival material; preserves and leverages Jamaica’s
Senator - Ruel Reid and was supported by Permanent Sec- historical, information and cultural assets; as well as en-
retary, Dean-Roy Bernard. Approximately one hundred ables efficient service delivery enhanced decision making
and fifty hard copies of the Policy and accompanying and overall attainment of national development goals.”
Procedures Manual were distributed among Permanent
Secretaries and Information Management practitioners at The overall goal of this RIM Policy is to contribute to
the launch. This mile-stone event signalled to the nation, modernising and transforming the public service and
Government’s recognition and commitment to the impor- the building of a knowledge society by; managing, se-
tance of providing a framework for the standardised man- curing and making accessible, the records of the GoJ in
agement of the information assets of the public sector. an efficient, effective and transparent manner, through-
out their lifecycle; and acquiring and preserving archival
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the material.
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 11“Prevention is better than cure”: ICA-CARBICA hosts Disaster
Desaray Pivott-Nolan,
Librarian, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago
MA ARCM Candidate, UWI-DLIS
The International Council on Archives (ICA) and the Carib-
bean Archives Association (CARBICA) in collaboration with
the Government of Sint Maarten, hosted a four day work-
ing conference entitled “Regional approaches to disaster
recovery and heritage preservation” in the New Govern-
ment Administration building of Sint Maarten from July
30th to August 2nd 2018. The conference involved ap-
proximately twenty-two (22) countries and representa-
tives from various arms of the cultural heritage field such
as archives, archaeology, libraries, museums, built heri-
tage and intangible heritage, to allow them to share their
experiences in the aftermath of hurricanes Irma, Maria and
Jose in 2017 and explore the possibility of strengthening
support for each other in the event of future disasters,
through the creation of a Caribbean Heritage Protection
Network.
As the name states, the conference sought to not only
address the preservation of archival documents but also
heritage materials including museums, monuments and
intangible cultural heritage all of which are at risk dur-
ing times of disaster and all of which need to be given
Samuel Fraco Arce (Guatemala) hands over a certificate to Desaray
Pivott-Nolan at the St. Maarten Working Conference, August 2, 2018
12 CARBICA News, December 2018Recovery and Heritage Preservation Working Conference
increased levels of protection to preserve the cultural The enthusiasm of everyone involved
foundation of nations. The four day event was well or- was also remarkable. Being the new pro-
ganized into sessions which took on both theoretical fessional in such an environment was
and practical elements to allow participants the op- quite comforting because I was able to
portunity to physically engage with materials in real life experience firsthand the passion of the
situations, while being guided by international experts individuals involved. As unfortunate
who shared practical planning and recovery ideas, re- as these disasters of 2017 have been, it
sources and techniques. At the end of the conference, spawned a greater appreciation for cul-
resolutions were adopted calling for the establishment tural heritage, and through the hosting
of a Caribbean Heritage Preservation Network, which of this conference a greater appreciation
will seek to build on the training and collaborative net- among professionals in the various fields
working rising out of the conference. and the work they do. I do hope that the
formation of the network will indeed be
Experiencing the, “Regional Approaches to Disaster Re- successful and operational in the long
covery and Heritage Preservation” conference has led term because we are our brother’s keep-
me to have a greater appreciation of not only archival er for a common cause in the preserva-
materials and their value, but also of other related fields tion of cultural heritage.
such as archaeology and intangible cultural heritage.
The common adage, “prevention is better than cure”
holds true for the preservation of cultural heritage and
definitely stood out in the presentations.
As an Archives student it was an amazing experience
for me to see theoretical principles learnt in the courses
being materialized in real life situations. The techniques
taught on how to recover damaged materials were very
practical. The exercises showed that even with limited
resources, preparation and recovery is possible with
proper planning.
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 13UWI Archives Student internship in New York
Demar Ludford This experience provided me with the oppor-
Jamaica tunity to work alongside persons who are very
passionate about what they do. Passion that I
myself have also developed over this period. In
This past summer, for six weeks (June 25- August addition, I now have a greater appreciation for,
2), I did my fieldwork internship at the Brooklyn and a deeper understanding of, the work that
Public Library. I was tasked with the responsibil- archivists do and the vital role that they play
ity of arranging and describing the collections in society. My experience at Brooklyn Public
of Martha Adina Gayle, while also making doing Library was a life changing one as it relates to
a finding aid. Martha was a Jamaican Immigrant my professional and educational development
who went to the United States in the early 1920s in the field of Archives and Records Manage-
in search of a better living. Overtime, Martha ment. I was able to connect and establish re-
went on to establish herself as a well respected lationships with many staff members there, as
member of her community, and also a Landlady. well as to connect with the person whom the
Sadly however, she passed away sometime in collection was about: Martha Gayle.
2001. During my time at Brooklyn Public Library,
I was under the tutelage of Natiba Guy-Clement Blog link: https://www.bklynlibrary.org/
(Manager of Special Collections) and Diana Bow- blog/2018/08/02/processing-found-material
ers – Smith (Archivist). They expertly guided and
assisted me in the successful completion of the
Martha Gayle Collection. In processing the col-
lection, I got to know about someone who was a
hardworking lady, who at no point in time forgot
her family in Jamaica as she assisted in any way
that she could. She was also very instrumental in
Demar Ludford
bringing up some of her family members to live in
the United States. Martha Adina Gayle
14 CARBICA News, December 2018“Stepping Stone to Becoming an Archivist”:
My Internship at The Jamaica Archives
Tamara Seymour
MA ARCM Candidate,
Bahamas
I assisted researchers by conducting research in-
I completed a six weeks field work experience at
terviews. This is done to ascertain exactly what
the Jamaica Archive and Records Department in
the researcher needs before retrieving the re-
Spanish Town Jamaica. The main objective of this
cords. This was very rewarding for me because
fieldwork was for me to gain experience in process-
prior to this experience, I had no idea that a re-
ing and arranging a collection, prepare the admin-
search interview should be conducted before re-
istrative history and describe collection based on
trieving a record. I now realized that Archival work
ISAD(G) standard, assist with Reference and Re-
entails varied activities. The practice relative to
search Duties and observe the day to day opera-
the quality of care for records, collegiality with
tion of an Archives. This was my first professional
others in the profession, ethics, collaboration, and
introduction to an archive and I was both nervous
resource management are key aspects of being an
and excited.
effective and efficient archivist. I learnt the “dos
and don’ts” regarding the handling of the collec-
On the first day, I was formally introduced to the
tion, and acceptable principles and standards in
staff and given a tour of the different sections of the
archival work. Further, I learnt about the different
Archives. I was given the opportunity to work with
units within an Archive and the role and function
the DaCosta Commission of Enquiry Collection.
of each unit.
Working closely with the Archivist, I weeded, ar-
ranged, described and prepared the administrative
In reflecting on my internship, it was both a pro-
history for the collection. The Archivist directed me
fessional and practical training outside the class-
as to how to weed the collection and link related re-
room and online setting. The experience gained
cords within the collection. By doing this, I gained
is invaluable. I am sure that this field work experi-
practical skills and knowledge of how a collection
ence will serve as a stepping stone in my prepara-
should be arranged, described and organized. Thamara Seymour
tion of becoming an Archivist.
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 15An Opportunity of a Lifetime: The New Professional
Experience at the ICA Conference 2018 - Yaoundé, Cameroon
Janelle Duke a dynamic region. Our common history and
Archives Research Specialist collective memory which is often separated
National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago by slight differences has made us a cultur-
MA ARCM Year II ally diverse area that has so much to offer in
terms of the types of records that we archive
and create. Any student chosen to become
a New Professional from the region would
From November 26 – 28, 2018, the International bring our special blend of Caribbean-fla-
Council on Archives (ICA) held its annual confer- voured Archival perspective, a commodity
ence entitled “Archives: Governance, Memory and that, I learned during the conference, is fresh
Heritage” at the Palais des Congres Conference and very much sought-after.
Centre in Yaoundé, Cameroon. However, this sto-
ry does not begin here. Rewinding to December In late April, I received a congratulatory letter
2017, a call for applicants to the ICA’s New Pro- from the ICA indicating that I was chosen to
fessional Programme was released on both their be a part of the 2018 New Professional co-
website and social media. For students of the hort. At this juncture, I was introduced to the
Archives and Records Management Programme programme coordinator, Cécile Fabris and
at UWI, Mona – an email was disbursed through later, the rest of the cohort who have come
e-mail. A message that, coincidentally, I did not from varying backgrounds. I was assigned
directly receive rather, it was forwarded by a fel- a mentor with whom I could converse and
low classmate who convinced me to apply. learn more about the field. In all, there are
seven new professionals from different ar-
The application process was gruelling, requir- eas of the world inclusive of Benin, Burkina From Left to Right: Rita Tjienfooh (President CARBICA),
ing deep introspection and close thought on an Faso Canada, England, Solomon Islands, Janelle Duke, Avril Belfon (Treasurer and Vice Presient
applicant’s personal motivations for choosing Ar- Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. CARBICA)
chives and Records Management as a profession. It has been indicated that this is the first year
My thought process was simple, the Caribbean is that the cohort encompasses such a diverse
16 CARBICA News, December 2018group of budding archivists and records ress, the similarities between our re-
management professionals. gion and theirs are staggering. Issues
of shared heritage, access, preservation
As a New Professional, our responsibilities and how to archive a heritage that is still
are numerous however, chief among these innately oral are just some of the areas
was to create a common presentation on that stood out during the conference
a topic based on the Conference’s theme and form part of the same issues that Ca-
that would be presented at one of the ses- ribbean Archives face. This also became
sions. Hence from June 2018, we began to apparent as the Minister of Culture from
meet via Facebook Messenger to plan, for- Haiti presented as a key note speaker at
mulate and pull together a structured pre- the conference. On the last day, the co-
sentation we later entitled, “Continuity and hort had to speak individually on their
Change: Reflections on Current Training for reasons for applying to the programme
the Effective Stewardship of Documentary as well as the benefits of attending the
Heritage.” Everyone chose a sub-theme to conference.
focus on while linking it to the common From Left to Right: Rachel Klassen (Canada), Cecile Fabris (New Professional
issues that a new professional in the field Now that the Conference is officially Programme Coordinator), Normand Charbonneau (Vice President Pro-
would face. I presented a perspective on over, our work as a group continues as gramme), Janelle Duke (Trinidad and Tobago), Rachel Mihalko (USA), David
The Absence of Records Governance and Fricker (ICA President), Jean Paul Lawson (Benin), Abilyn Pua’ara Hou (Solo-
we have a common project to complete
mon Islands) and Korotimi Samandoulougou (Burkina Faso)
its Impact on Archives and Records Man- before the next conference in Australia,
agement in the Caribbean. Our common 2019. We also have responsibilities for
session took place on November 27 and it managing the New Professionals social
was well received by all in attendance. media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter
and website. We also have an article to
At the conference I had the opportunity write for the January issue of the ICA’s
meet professionals who have written the newsletter. To date, it has been a won-
books, articles and have made strides in derful experience filled with learning
the field, people whose works I have read curves while meeting new and interest-
as a student. The cohort met the members ing information specialists as well as oth-
of the ICA Secretariat, which is its engine, er new professionals. I would like to urge
as well as the President, David Fricker. Even my fellow archival studies counterparts
though many of the sessions were mainly to apply to the programme for 2019. Janelle Duke presenting on last day
geared toward Africa and its current prog- of Conference
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 17The Religious Side of The UWI: The Archives of UTCWI
Adrian Green and Kwasi Tinglin 2. Integration had to be attempted on a co-operative
basis.
Jamaica
This cooperation formed a Communion of six Carib-
bean Denominations (namely, the Anglicans, Baptists,
The University of the West Indies is a very diverse Lutherans, Methodists, Moravians, and the United
academic community. Known for its programmes Church), which leads the college. Having regional in-
in medicine, law, the humanities, education, sci- tegration at its core, UTCWI has been an affiliate UWI
ence and technology, social sciences, and sport, the institution since inception.
University since the 1950s also has a religious side
perhaps not known to many. The United Theologi- The UTCWI Collection contains administrative re-
cal College of the West Indies is one of the oldest cords, notes on Caribbean theology, photographs,
affiliated colleges of The UWI, and operates as the audio and video recordings of College lectures, reli-
university’s Department of Theology. The UWI Ar- gious services, and ceremonies. Of special interest in
chives recently acquired the records of this histori- the collection, are the final student sermon record-
cally rich arm of the university which illustrates the ings, in which now-prominent Caribbean religious
long inter-institutional connection between UWI leaders honed their homiletic craft in front of their
and the United College of the West Indies, UTCWI. peers and professors.
UTCWI, an ecumenical institution was founded at
its current site, adjacent to the UWI and was initially The Horace Russell Papers
funded by the World Council of Churches Theolog- A prominent collection within the UTCWI Archives
ical Education Fund. Its programmes are focused are the Papers of the Rev Dr Horace Russell, CD, a Ja-
on preparing Christian leaders to serve missions maican Baptist Minister. Dr Horace Orlando Russell
within the Caribbean region primarily but also out- served as part of the UTCWI teaching staff from the
side its borders. In 1954, two decisions guided the very start, having been appointed tutor at the Cala-
formation of UTCWI. bar College, his alma mater, in 1958. Calabar College
was one of the institutions that was involved in the
1. Theological Education was to be a developmen- founding of the UTCWI in 1966. Dr Russell became the
tal tool for the integration of the region. first Jamaican of African descent to lead the UTCWI,
appointed its president in 1972, having obtained his
18 CARBICA News, December 2018Doctor of Philosophy from Regent’s Park College, Oxford religion and education in Jamaica and abroad in 2008. He
University that same year. His thesis was “The Outreach of alwso received the Martin Luther King Award by Mainline
the West Indian Church to West Africa in the Nineteenth Churches, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania for outreach ministries
Century with Special Reference to the Baptists.” of the Saints’ Memorial Baptist Church under his leadership,
2011 and was appointed Designated Emeritus Professor of
Among his research passions, as reflected in his papers, Historical Theology and Dean of Chapel of Palmer Semi-
was the role of Christian Missions and History of the 18th nary, Eastern University, USA, in 2011 among several other
and 19th centuries with special reference to the Baptist notable distinctions.
Church, History of the Church and Religion in the Carib-
bean and West Africa and the church’s contribution to the The Horace Russell Papers containing 17-18 linear feet of
development of Teacher and Ministerial education within records, were donated to the United Theological College of
the Caribbean. Dr Russell links the geographic connections the West Indies, which are now in the custody of the UWI
and historical experiences into an understanding of the Archives. This fonds is arranged thematically in accordance
wider Caribbean that lacks homogeneity. with his activity and life’s work and are divided into 6 se-
Geography links together not only the physical island ries:
chain, but its inhabitants into a scheme of Caribbean unity; • HRP-A: Personal Correspondence Correspondence/
while history attempts to systematize the varied island ex- Administrative records, including
periences into a common theme... letters to newspaper editors, conference papers, personal
writings and notes
Through his work as Baptist Minister, theologian and UTCWI • HRP-B: United Theological College, comprising re-
President, Dr Russell taught a mix of students from across cords pertaining to The United Theological College
the Caribbean and may have well through his mission and • HRP-C: Public Ministry, containing records pertaining
work visited many of the Caribbean Islands. He would have to his ministerial work including sermon notes and bulle-
had first-hand knowledge of the historical and political mi- tins, funeral services and reports
lieu as well as the language and cultural influences across • HRP-D: Jamaica Baptist Union, containing correspon-
the Dutch, French, Spanish and English Islands that shapes dence and notes relating to the JBU. Also contains records
the Caribbean experience. pertaining to the activities of Calabar College and High
School
Dr Horace Orlando Russell hails from Clarendon and he re- • HRP -E: Scholarly Life, containing papers pertaining to
ceived several awards for his work and pastoral ministry. Ph.D. research, and interest in African studies
These include the Marcus Garvey Medal in 1984, The “Ja- • HRP-F: Multimedia/Audiovisual containing newspa-
maica Council of Churches Award” for ecumenism, in 1986, per clippings, photographs
“The 40th Anniversary Recognition Medal” The United
Theological College of The West Indies, 2005 and Jamaica’s These records are now available at The UWI Archives and
National Award, “Commander of Distinction for services to illustrates the standards of excellence that is The UWI .
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 19Jamaican Archives and Records Professionals Visit China
20 CARBICA News, December 2018Susan Howell,
Records Analyst, Bank of Jamaica
MA ARCM Candidate, UWI DLIS
In June 2018, 22 Jamaican members of archives Besides Beijing, we also visited the Jinan and Qufu of Shan-
and records management community accepted dong province, to experience the situation regarding ar-
an invitation to participate in an Exchange Semi- chives management and utilization in different regions of
nar on Archives Management held in China at China. Other places visited included the First Historical Ar-
the invitation of the Ministry of Commerce of the chives of China, Archives of Beijing, Archives of Shandong
People’s Republic of China (PRC), through the or- Province, and the National Library of China which gave us
ganizers the Central Academy of Cultural Admin- an understanding of China’s archives management, digital
istration (CACA). CACA is the body responsible for management of archives, exploitation and utilization of
the professional training of senior officials, senior archives information resources, construction of archival le-
managers and technicians of culture enterprises gal system, and file maintenance. Participants also visited
and NGOs, which benefits thousands of trainees. some the world’s cultural heritage sites in China, including
Delegates headed by Government Archivist, Mrs the Great Wall, the Palace Museum and the Forbidden City
Claudette Thomas included Archives Assistants that helped to provide an overview on Chinese cultural
from the Jamaica Archives, UWI Archives, records heritage. Throughout the seminar interpreters were pro-
staff from government ministries, education offi- vided to provide translation services between both par-
cers and staff from several heritage institutions. ties.
The seminar involved mostly lectures in archival The training seminar exposed us to the strict guidelines
principles, preservation and restoration. We were and importance placed on records and archives within
treated to a combination of lecture type class- the Chinese governance framework. Archives were highly
room settings, practical hands-on-demonstrations supported and frequently inspected to ensure mandates
and field visits relating to the various preservation are effectively and efficiently carried out.
practices and historical sites within China. Sessions
were led by experienced government officials in- We returned inspired by the possibilities and opportuni-
cluding Directors and Deputy Directors of various ties for the development of the Archives and Records Sec-
archives and institutions across China as well as ar- tor in Jamaica and we are grateful to the Chinese Govern-
chival professors from the National Central Library ment for this enlightening opportunity.
and Peking University.
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 21Resolution adopted by participants CARBICA working conference
CARBICA EC
The Caribbean Branch of the International Council on Ar-
chives (CARBICA) recently organized a Working Confer-
ence called “Regional approaches to Disaster Recovery
and Heritage Preservation” on St. Maarten (July 30 - August
2, 2018). At this Conference it was agreed upon to protect
documents, artifacts, built and intangible heritage against
natural disasters.
In 2017, hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria left a trail of
destruction in the Caribbean region. Particularly on St.
Maarten, Dominica and the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the
category 5 hurricanes, Irma and Maria, have caused seri-
ous damage. The cultural heritage, unique and irreplace-
able, has also suffered damage. Precisely because this is
unique and authentic material, which forms the memory
Participants of the Working Conference “Regional approaches to Disaster Recovery and of the islands, it is important to protect them well, and in
Heritage Preservation” on St. Maarten (July 30 - August 2, 2018) case of damage - to restore professionally. After the hur-
ricanes of 2017, CARBICA provided first aid in the form of
financial support and organized a fact-finding mission in
which a professional paper curator from Curaçao was sent
to the islands.
There appeared to be a great need for a more permanent
network of professionals who could help the affected ar-
22 CARBICA News, December 2018to form a Caribbean Heritage Emergency Network (CHEN)
eas. The network of professionals should also be able to prepare the Whereas the Caribbean Branch of the International Council on Archives
islands with Disaster Preparedness training. To this end, CARBICA (hereafter CARBICA) was actively involved in the response to the cul-
has taken the initiative to establish a Caribbean Heritage Emergency tural heritage needs of Caribbean territories affected by the severe pas-
Network (CHEN). The network will fall under the CARBICA organiza- sage of hurricanes during the 2017 season;
tion and will consist of a Dbase of professionals who are willing to Whereas in response, CARBICA with the support from the International
provide training and carry out response missions in affected areas. Council on Archives (hereafter ICA) and other agencies, conducted a
needs assessment survey, combined by training sessions and consulta-
A Resolution was adopted by the participants of the Working Confer- tions in affected territories;
ence to form this network. As a result CARBICA installed a Working
Group to carry out preparatory work to actually launch the CHEN in Whereas CARBICA, in partnership with the ICA, UNESCO Heritage
early 2019 at the General Assembly of CARBICA. Emergency Fund, Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland/OCW, Gerda Henkel
Stiftung, and the Government of Sint Maarten organized the training
In addition to CARBICA, the Working Conference was also made possi- conference “Regional Approaches to Disaster Recovery and Heritage
ble by sponsorships from the International Council on Archives (ICA), Preservation” 30 July to 2 August 2018 for International and regional
UNESCO, Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland (Ministry of Education, Cul- policy makers, emergency responders and cultural heritage stewards
ture and Science of the Netherlands), the Gerda Henkel Foundation to meet for the first time following the catastrophic hurricane season
(Germany) and the government of Saint Martin. It is worth noting of 2017 to exchange priorities and methods that will ensure the best
that the Caribbean Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Agency possible outcomes for the regional protection, not only of people and
(CDEMA) also participated in the workshop. property but also of cultural heritage;
The following islands participated in the working conference:
St.Maarten (French and Dutch part), Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, Whereas having considered the 2017 Addendum to the Strategy on
Suriname, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Anti- the Reinforcement of UNESCO’s Action for the Protection of Culture
gua & Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Puerto Rico. and the Promotion of Cultural Pluralism in the Event of Armed Conflict
that corresponds to the four priorities for action of the 2015 Sendai
Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, applied specifically to culture;
RESOLUTIONS now therefore
OF “THE WORKING CONFERENCE ON REGIONAL APPROACHES ON
DISASTER RECOVERY AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION” CALLING FOR Be it resolved that CARBICA
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CARIBBEAN HERITAGE EMERGENCY NET-
WORK 1. Seeks to promote and facilitate the continued collaboration between
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 23heritage protection stakeholders and partnerships emanating
from the circumstances of the 2017 hurricane season;
2. Calls for EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST in establishing a CA-
RIBBEAN HERITAGE PRESERVATION NETWORK—an initiative
of CARBICA, as a collaborative network of stakeholders and
service providers committed to strengthening the Caribbean’s
cultural heritage community, before, during and after disasters
through an organized communication system, as well as coor-
dinated activities and services in the field. The main goals are
to respond in times of crises to the heritage preservation needs
of Caribbean territories and encourage training and support
for the stakeholder institutions of Caribbean heritage for the
most critical periods of need;
3. Invites other relevant Caribbean professional networks to
collaborate and contribute to mitigation, preparedness, re-
sponse and recovery activities of the proposed Caribbean Heri-
tage Preservation Network;
4. Encourage Governments and all relevant cultural and di-
saster risk management organizations and institutions at all
levels, including CDEMA, to develop policies and mechanisms
for culturally-aware and informed approaches to disaster risk
programmes and activities, with explicit involvement of the
cultural heritage sector for relief and recovery operations, and
5. To establish a working group to continue the development
of the network.
Philipsburg, Aug. 2, 2018
ICA Expert Dr. Emilie Leumas (New Orleans - picture left under)
giving instructions to the participants at the Recovery Workshop, St.
Maarten .
24 CARBICA News, December 2018Upcoming Events:
March 25-28, 2019: Paramaribo,
Suriname
CARBICA XI General Assembly
Suriname
Theme: “Archives at Risk”
Workshop and
Election new Executive Committee CARBICA
till 2022
all CARBICA members are invited.
CARBICA News, décembre 2018 25CARBICA News décembre 2018
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