Libraries in Trinidad and Tobago can provide youths and prisoners with opportunities which will improve the country.

Minister of Communications the Honourable Stuart Young told the new Board of the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) that part of their job is to connect young people once again, to learning outside of the formality of a classroom.

Minister Young, who is also the Minister of National Security, said that NALIS has an important role to play in getting young people to learn and read through the provision of library services and providing an alternative to criminal gangs and their nefarious activities.

“This is essential. If you can capture their thoughts, their imagination and their attention via library services you would have achieved a lot.”

The Minister said he is convinced that if more is done to rehabilitate prisoners, society would be a better place. He challenged the Board of NALIS to provide the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service with opportunities for prisoners yearning to learn and read.

“As it evolves you all (the Board) have to evolve with the times. We must find ways to keep young people off the street. Your job while you’re here, is to ensure you find that connection.”

The term of the last NALIS Board expired on February 22, 2019. The new board was sworn-in earlier today. The newly appointed members are:

Neil Parsanlal - Chairman

Charleen Phillip – Deputy Chairman

Elmelinda Lara

Cathyan Townsend

Jefferson Guy

Karel Douglas

Lynette Tyson-Noel

Pandita Dr. Indrani Rampersad

Catherine Romain (Executive Director and Ex-Officio Member)

The new board will serve for three (3) years.

Meet the new NALIS Board: Minister of Communications the Honourable Stuart Young (centre front row) with the Executive Director of NALIS Catherine Romain (left), Chairman of NALIS Board Neil Parsanlal (right) and other members of the newly reappointed board.