Press Release from the Ministry of Communication

Minister of Communications, Senator the Honourable Donna Cox today received a new library card from the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS).

Cox, a doctoral student, said she intends to make full use of her new membership.

“Knowledge is important, it is never too late to join the library,” she said.

While at NALIS, Minister Cox took the opportunity to announce the reopening of the Heritage Library which is located on the second floor of the Hart and Abercromby Streets NALIS facility.

The Heritage Library was closed for approximately two (2) years due to health and safety issues. Limited services were offered in another section of the library until today’s reopening.

The Heritage Library provides reference and research materials on Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. It houses rare collections pertaining to this country’s national heritage such as the Freddie Kissoon, the A.N.R Robinson and the Learie Constantine collections, among others. It is also home to newspaper archives as far back as 1980.

Minister Cox, the holder of a first degree in history, underscored the importance of the Heritage Library to Trinidad and Tobago. She said, “Research and historical information are critical to who we are as a people and to the future of our country. I am pleased that NALIS has been able to reopen this area because it is very important to the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Minister Cox also met with the Chairman of NALIS, Neil Parsanlal, NALIS’ Executive Director, Paula Greene and other NALIS officials following the reopening of the Heritage Library.