World Book and Copyright Day was celebrated virtually in Belize last Thursday. It is a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading. Each year, on 23 April, celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books – a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.
But in the revulsion of the COVID-19 pandemic, scheduled events had to be held indoors. As a result, prominent persons from the Belizean book industry gave presentations via social media, explaining the significance of the day.
President of the Belize Book Industry Association (BBIA) Felene Cayetano said that since 2009, she had been looking forward to two to three days exchanges with writers, readers and the media. However, she was steadfast that we all should be promoting the Belizean fiction and non-fiction work of authors.
Chief Librarian Lucy Castillo also came out in support of books as vehicles to transport culture. According to Castillo the BBIA has been successful in asserting itself, where authors can protect their work through intellectual property rights. “Let your imagination go beyond the walls of your house,” said Castillo.
But it was the author of Old Benque, David Ruiz, who said it most reflectively. Belize is the home of so many cultures, bequeathed by a millennium of civilization and it is the writers’ responsibility to capture that essence—to connect to the past and to the future.
Even the President of the National Institute of Culture and History Sapna Budhrani came out in support of books as an important force in the economy and the education sector. Books can cross time and space, she said.
More than ever, at a time where most of the schools around the world are closed and people are having to limit their time spent outside, the power of books should be leveraged to combat isolation, reinforce ties between people, expand our horizons, while stimulating our minds and creativity.
Monste Casademunt, BBIA founding member and past president has a special message: “As in so many things in life, “experiencing”, is what can ultimately convince us of how pleasurable something can be If you have never tasted chocolate, for example, no one can really make you feel how wonderful its taste is. This is why when children experience books from early in life, when they are read to, when they have access to a library card or to the luxury to picking a book in a bookstore, they develop the love for books and reading. They acquire the habit that provides them with enjoyment throughout life telling children to read does not work, they have to experience reading and in this way books become a part of their lives. Reading is a luxury that everyone can afford. The luxury of enjoying words, sentences and stories that unveil the complexity of the human soul.
Today is International Book and Copyright Day, the day when, throughout the world, books and reading are celebrated. Not by choice, the Belize Book Industry Association is celebrating its 12th Book Week online, nevertheless we still have the feeling of being together, and it is our love for books and writing that provides the bond!
We are living a very difficult experience. Hopefully something good will come out of it as our priorities seem to be slowly shifting. During these exceptional times when we find ourselves confined for long hours every day, day after day, we have more time to reflect on what we can really depend on, the things that give us joy: these are real things like the food that gives us sustenance, the roof over our heads, the simple things we enjoy doing, our family and friendships, additional time to explore new abilities, and our thoughts and feelings.
And among these things that are tangible and that remain important to many of us are BOOKS. Books are dependable, they provide us with comfort and enjoyment and while books come in many forms and shapes, in small and large print, in white or ivory paper, in hardcover or paperback, with beautiful illustrations or just plain text, or even digital, they can all transport us to unknown places, and inspire us to re-imagine and reinvent our reality. With time in our hands, time to be with family, to reflect, to enjoy new experiences, to rethink our lives and to explore our limitations, many of us are finding again the time to read!
My message during these extraordinary times is, of course, to keep safe, but let’s also extract the lessons that this worldwide pandemic is manifesting: that life is precious, that nothing can replace the simple pleasures of feeling close to the ones we love, that happiness and contentment do not require expensive gadgets, and that no one should have to beg: not for a home, not for enough nutritious food, not for good health services and education because these are not options they are rights!
Another message is to support our own. Purchase from our Belizean farmers and other food producers, rather than imported goods. Support our industries, our artists, our musicians, our writers and our publishers. When we do that we are helping to rebuild Belize.
Today, let’s take a minute to remember, honor and silently name the special books in our lives, the teachings, the inspiration and the simple enjoyment they have given us since we first held one in our hands. Be safe.”
