World Book and Copyright Day is a yearly event observed on 23 April, organized by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright. The day was first celebrated in 1995. The connection between 23 April and books was first made in 1923 by booksellers in Catalonia, Spain as a way to honour the author Miguel de Cervantes who died on that day. According to “Wikipedia”, this became a part of the celebrations of the Saint George’s Day (also 23 April) in the region, where it has been traditional since the medieval era for men to give roses to their lovers and since 1925 for the woman to give a book in exchange.
In 1995, UNESCO decided that the World Book and Copyright Day would be celebrated on this date because of the Catalonian festival and because the date is also the anniversary of the birth and death of William Shakespeare, the death of Inca Garcilaso de la Vega and Josep Pla, the birth of Maurice Druon, Vladimir Nabokov, Manuel MejÃa Vallejo and Halldór Laxness. These individuals are all great contributors to the art of literature.
In Belize, the celebration for World Book and Copyright Day was a three day event held from Wednesday, April 22 to Friday, April 24. The events kicked off at the George Price Center in the Capital City, Belmopan. Then on Thursday, April 23, the series of events continued at the House of Culture in Belize City. There were forums on a range of issues- from book publishing to the history of Belizean Literature. The National Library Service hosted events for children each day. The highlight of the children events was the story telling corner.
With the rise of the technology era, children have less interest in picking up a book. The new substitutes (cable television and internet computers) are more efficient and attractive. However, these substitutes do not transfer as much knowledge and ability as the reading of a book. Reading develops vocabulary, writing skills and widens the imagination of an individual. In the two days of events in Belize City, over 250 young children attended and some even opened booths to display their views on literature.
There were also copyright forums that sought to highlight the need for more protection of Belizean writers, musicians and creators in general. Rita Hyde, Researcher for the Institute of History and Culture Research, said, “We cannot overemphasize the importance of Books. Books are essential to the development of knowledge and the salvation of our culture in general.”
The events came to an end with an evening of Poetry and Prose from some of Belize’s top literature artists. Works were read by Dr. Corinth Lewis, President Immeritus of the University of Belize, Ms. Ivory Kelly, Amado Chan, Rufus X, River of Fire among others. The works were based on a range of issues including poverty, patriotism, political corruption, unwed pregnancy, adultery and others. Ms. Diane Haylock, President of NICH, developed the ideas for the events. She said that the institute plans to continue promoting the works of Belizeans.
