The observance of World Book Day serves to remind us of the real value of reading in a world where everything is now available online.
This universal access to the world’s vast storehouse of knowledge is a revolution not enjoyed in many sections of the world community.
But for us, we have no such reason to complain. Our vast libraries across the country and the specialised libraries in educational institutions and companies offer a multitude of texts in a variety of formats.
The most significant challenge we face is to encourage reading by the members of our young generation.
Though they are expected to do much reading in their primary educational years, they still do not always come away with that joy of reading.
But they now have the tools and access around the clock to read beyond the required texts for their examinations.
Many of us speak of the encouragement we received from our parents and early teachers who shared their joy of reading and bought books for us to read beyond the school work. Home libraries were the norm and money was often sacrificed to purchase an encyclopedia.
Today, the vast libraries of the world are now readily available via computers, tablets, phones and other electronic devices.
So there is no excuse not be reading and learning and deepening of one’s knowledge of life. The only remaining challenge is for there to be continued remedial reading classes for those who need such help.
There are still many things to enjoy in life, and one of them is reading.
Protect environment daily
We should have a focus on our environment every day.
This is because our very survival as a species is under increasing threat.
Plastic pollution is poisoning our oceans and land, injuring marine life and affecting our health.
The theme of Earth Day 2018 encourages us to “Help End Plastic Pollution” by finding out how many plastic items we consume every year and making a PLEDGE to reduce the amount. We should add “and to dispose of responsibly.”
Studies have shown the impact of plastics not just on our environment but human beings and animals on land and sea. Vast mounds of plastics and other debris are washing up on coastal states. We in the Caribbean have also seen similar sights on our coastlines and waterways.
We have a duty and responsibility to our present and future to reduce the use of plastics and ensure proper disposal of what we use every day.
Give praise where due
Compliments go a long way in fostering good relationships. That does not only apply to partners, but co-workers and especially appreciated coming from those who are leaders. So give praise where it is due and show gratitude to those who go the extra mile.
