On April 25, forty-five authors who have published for the first time during the period January to December 2017 will be celebrated by the National Library and Information System Authority (Nalis) at its ninth Annual First Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme. The event will take place at the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain from 10:00 am.

The Honourable Marlene Mc Donald, Minister of Public Administration and Communications, will deliver the feature address and formerly launch the First Time Authors’ Exhibition. This exhibition will showcase the books, Bios and photographs of the authors.

The Nalis First Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme, inaugurated in 2010 in commemoration of World Book and Copyright Day (April 23), is NALIS’ effort to applaud the work of first time authors; to encourage new writers to enter the publishing arena, and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright.

Since the introduction of this programme, 303 new authors have been celebrated. For the third consecutive year, immediately following the First Time Authors’ ceremony, the new authors will benefit from the workshop titled, “Writers’ First” hosted by the NGC Bocas Lit Fest.

World Book and Copyright Day is promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). By paying world-wide tribute to books and authors UNESCO hopes to gain a renewed respect for the unique contributions of those contributed to the social and cultural progress of humanity.