In observance of Reading Month and World Press Freedom Day, the National Association of Librarians and Information Professionals (NALIP), hosted a writing and publishing workshop.

The workshop educated participants on the fundamentals of writing and publishing and was facilitated by locally-renowned writers, journalists, authors, poets and publishers, with sessions on the General Principles of Writing, The Art of Journalism, and the Basic Principles of Publishing.

The workshop was sponsored by 1st National Bank. Manager, Robert Fevrier, said: “We applaud the work that the library is doing as it is very involved in developing education.”

The event was held on World Press Freedom Day, May 3, at the Central Library in Castries, in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Public Library and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

World Press Freedom Day celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluates press freedom around the world, and pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.

The observance was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following a recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.

The 2019 theme is “Media for Democracy: Journalism and Elections in Times of Disinformation,” and focuses on the critical role of the media in keeping the public informed and leaders accountable, by providing transparent, reliable information. World Press Freedom Day also reminds us of the dangers journalists face in fulfilling their duties.