IMA Presents 45th Commemorative Anthology Publication to the UWI Alma Jordan Library
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) presented fifteen (15) copies of its most recent publication titled, ‘Turning the Tide – Fostering Conservation and Sustainable Development: A 45th Anniversary Commemorative Anthology 1992-2023’ to The Alma Jordan Library at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus on September 26, 2023.
Unveiled at a book launch on May 26, 2023, to mark the 45th corporate anniversary of the IMA at a Long Service Awards, the publication was edited by then Director (Ag.) Dr. Rahanna Juman and library staff and sponsored by Republic Bank. Exploring the challenges and issues that impact our oceans, coasts and marine resources, the 320-page anthology chronicles over one hundred articles that have been published in the national circulating newspapers of Trinidad and Tobago with recommendations and calls-to-action on how we should manage and sustainably use our natural resources.
Apart from being a resource-rich in knowledge and learning, the hardcover anthology is well-designed and adorned with full-colour glossy photographs of scenic seascapes, marine biodiversity, faunal and floral resources all taken by staff of the IMA over the years. Among the topics covered in the anthology are: United Nations (UN) Decade of Sustainable Development 2021-20230, Blue Economy, Appreciating our Marine Biodiversity, Securing our Food Supply, Ocean Processes and Coasts, Human Use and Impacts, Changing Climate and our Knowledge Legacy.
At the book presentation, Ms. Allison Doland, Deputy Campus Librarian of the Alma Jordan Library, conveyed her thanks to the IMA for the generous donation and stated that the anthology would provide an outstanding resource for students, lecturers or just about anyone with an interest in conservation of our marine and coastal resources. Ms. Doland further stated that the anthology should not only raise awareness of the marine environmental challenges faced in Trinidad and Tobago, but also help change the academic population’s perception. The Institute’s Chief Information Officer, Ms. Alicia Carter-Fisher, agreed adding that the pertinent information provided in the anthology should hopefully reinforce the need for immediate action on the part of all citizens to combat these challenges.
In attendance from the Alma Jordan Library of the University of the West Indies were the Head Librarian of the Acquisition and Continuing Resources Unit, Ms. Arlene Dolabaille and Librarian of the Cataloguing and Metadata Services Unit, Mr. Yacoob Hosein. The presentation team delivering the book from the IMA included the Institute’s Chief Information Officer, Ms. Alicia Carter-Fisher, Senior Research Officer, Dr. Kahlil Hassanali and Librarian, Ms. Lorraine Barrow.
Written by: Ms. Lorraine Barrow, Librarian of IMA