A trailblazer - Go - Jamaicago-jamaica.com/supplement/pdf/joyce-robinson.pdf · Robinson was a...
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Louis Marriott Contributor (First published in The Gleaner on May 23, 2013.) T HE LATE Joyce Lilieth Robinson (née Lawson), who died on Sunday, May 12, aged 87, was essentially two persons – the dedicated public servant who stamped her brand on empowerment through edu- cation, and the devoted family member and friend for whom no favour was too difficult or inconvenient to grant. She was born in St James on July 2, 1925, and moved to St Elizabeth at an early age. Migrating to Kingston in 1938, she unknowingly joined the pan- theon of outstanding graduates – including Prime Minister Hugh Shearer, Archbishop Samuel Carter, cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley and Bank of Jamaica Governor G. Arthur Brown – of the remarkable pri- vate secondary school, named St Simon’s College by its Guyanese founder and principal, ‘Prof’ E.B. Hazlewood. Teacher and librarian Immediately following her stu- dentship at St Simon’s, Lawson taught at her alma mater and then at Black River High School from 1944 to 1949, and also served as a volunteer librarian at the St Elizabeth Public Library in Black River from 1946 to 1950. The quality of her voluntary librarianship was obviously impressive. In 1950, she returned to the Corporate Area to take up a job offer as library assistant at the nascent Jamaica Library Service (JLS). Awarded a British Council scholarship, she pursued a two-year course (1954-56) at North Western Polytechnic in London, earning the Associateship of the Library Association of Great Britain. She was appointed deputy director of the JLS in 1955. On January 15, 1957, she mar- ried Leslie Robinson, whom she had met on a banana boat. He was a Jamaica scholar and renowned mathematics profes- sor, who became principal of the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI). They would become the first married couple awarded separate Orders of Jamaica. The marriage yielded a son, Leslie Anthony Robinson, and a daughter, Dr Lilieth Ann Robinson Bridgewater. With their respective spouses, over time, Anthony and Ann gifted Joyce and Leslie Robinson with six grandchil- dren. Professor Robinson died on April 4, 2007. Trailblazer Joyce Robinson was promoted to the post of director of the JLS in 1957, at a time when it was reck- oned that there was a glass ceiling retarding women in organisations from rising to the top. Robinson was a trail- blazer in the cause of upward mobility for women. She returned to North Western Polytechnic in 1958 and, in 1959, was awarded the Fellowship of the Library Association of Great Britain. On her return to Jamaica, she immediately set about establishing the JLS as an exemplary public agency. She encouraged bright young women to enter the librari- anship profession and was, herself, the mentor of several young librarians. One of the ways in which she built the JLS into a strong institution was by develop- ing a winning team – comprising herself, Leila Thomas, Dr Hazel Bennett, Sybil Iton and Gloria Salmon – to drive the institution. Administrator and strategist Robinson was the quintessen- tial administrator. She always insisted on proper and adequate documentation, especially relat- ing to matters of discipline. She made herself thoroughly con- versant with government-serv- ice regulations and procedures so that negative senior officers could not hoodwink her into accepting inaction because of some restrictive rule where a more positive option could be legitimately applied. She was not only very knowl- edgeable of the rules, but also a smart strategist. While no one knew better that the most important resources in a library were books, she would some- times order shelving units ahead of books for two reasons: (1) when the books arrived, there was no problem storing them, and (2) powerful guests could be invited on visits and lured into the space with empty book- shelves that spoke eloquently of the need for books. JLS growth In the 16 years that elapsed between Robinson’s appoint- ment as director of the JLS and Prime Minister Michael Manley’s call on her to proceed post-haste to the National Literacy Programme, the JLS had grown from 60 libraries to 442 libraries and service points. She had initi- ated the rural bookmobile pro- gramme, which was serving 242 areas. The Schools Library Service had expanded from 333 to 853 libraries in primary and junior secondary schools. The profes- sional staff training programme had accelerated to achieve an increase from one qualified librarian in 1955 to 37 in 1973. In 1973, Robinson was second- ed for two years from her sub- stantive post of JLS director to restore the National Literacy Programme from ruin caused largely by machismo-induced rivalry among severely disunited senior managers, who were con- sequently discarded. She adopted a no-nonsense approach to her administration, sometimes ruf- fling feathers but leaving no doubt regarding the pro- gramme’s locus of authority. Under the chairmanship of R. Danny Williams and her director- ship, the programme was trans- formed and rebranded as the Jamaican Movement for Adult Literacy. She was formally appointed executive director in 1976 and held the post until 1981, when she became general manager of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC). In that role, she administered the transition from black and white to colour television and sought to give a better deal to rural listeners in the orientation of JBC Radio. HEART Programme Prime Minister Edward Seaga called on Joyce Robinson to direct the establishment and development of his 1980s Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART) pro- gramme, which included eight specialised academies, private- sector on-the-job training, and the micro-business self-employ- ment programme dubbed ‘Solidarity’. After her retirement from the public service in 1991, she pro- vided consultancy services in adult education and library plan- ning and development through Joyce Robinson Associates Limited (1992-1996). She was subsequently training coordina- tor (1996-99) of the Government of Jamaica/United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Uplifting Adolescent Programme. Organisational connections Throughout her busy career, Robinson was active in a large number of voluntary service- related organisations. She was a member and for several years chairman of the National Council on Libraries, Archives and Documentation Services; presi- dent in 1964 and 1973 and exec- utive member for several terms of the Jamaica Library Association; executive member of the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO; council member of the Institute of Jamaica; member of the board of governors of the Excelsior Education Centre, St Hugh’s High School, Girls’ Town of Jamaica and other educational institu- tions; vice-chairman of the Foundation for International Self- Help; president of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Jamaica and chairman of the Kingston YWCA; president of the Soroptomist Club of Jamaica; chairman and board member of the National Library of Jamaica, the establishment of which she had strongly advocat- ed; vice-president for several years of the International Council for Adult Education; executive member of the Jamaica Council for Adult Education; executive member of the National Book Development Council; fellow of the Jamaican Institute of Management; and member of the Extra-Mural Advisory Council of the University of the West Indies and of the University Women’s Club. Special assignments An expert in time management, Robinson had a full slate of impor- tant special assignments over the years, starting in 1962 with a USAID-sponsored Foreign Leaders Programme, comprising tours of 16 cities over 60 days. She was deeply involved in events relating to the UN Declaration of Human Rights and the International Year of Human Rights. She participated at various levels in a dozen inter- national events that took her to the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Israel, India and other countries. She wrote numerous published papers and received many Jamaican and international honours and awards, including honorary doctorates from Dalhousie University and the UWI, and the Order of Jamaica for outstanding public service. • www.jamaica-gleaner.com • gleanerjamaica • jamaicagleaner • SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE THE GLEANER, TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013 D2 DR JOYCE ROBINSON, OJ, CD in the cause of upward mobility for women Joyce Robinson addressing the function at the opening of the Department of Library Studies. A trailblazer
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Transcript of A trailblazer - Go - Jamaicago-jamaica.com/supplement/pdf/joyce-robinson.pdf · Robinson was a...
Louis MarriottContributor
(First published in The Gleaneron May 23, 2013.)
THE LATE Joyce LiliethRobinson (née Lawson),who died on Sunday, May
12, aged 87, was essentially twopersons – the dedicated publicservant who stamped her brandon empowerment through edu-cation, and the devoted familymember and friend for whomno favour was too difficult orinconvenient to grant.
She was born in St James onJuly 2, 1925, and moved to StElizabeth at an early age.Migrating to Kingston in 1938,she unknowingly joined the pan-theon of outstanding graduates– including Prime Minister HughShearer, Archbishop SamuelCarter, cultural icon LouiseBennett-Coverley and Bank ofJamaica Governor G. ArthurBrown – of the remarkable pri-vate secondary school, namedSt Simon’s College by its
Guyanese founder and principal,‘Prof’ E.B. Hazlewood.
Teacher and librarianImmediately following her stu-
dentship at St Simon’s, Lawsontaught at her alma mater andthen at Black River High Schoolfrom 1944 to 1949, and alsoserved as a volunteer librarian atthe St Elizabeth Public Library inBlack River from 1946 to 1950.
The quality of her voluntarylibrarianship was obviouslyimpressive. In 1950, shereturned to the Corporate Areato take up a job offer as libraryassistant at the nascent JamaicaLibrary Service (JLS). Awarded aBritish Council scholarship, shepursued a two-year course(1954-56) at North WesternPolytechnic in London, earningthe Associateship of the LibraryAssociation of Great Britain. Shewas appointed deputy directorof the JLS in 1955.
On January 15, 1957, she mar-ried Leslie Robinson, whom shehad met on a banana boat. He
was a Jamaica scholar andrenowned mathematics profes-sor, who became principal of theMona campus of the Universityof the West Indies (UWI). Theywould become the firstmarried couple awardedseparate Orders of Jamaica.The marriage yielded a son,Leslie Anthony Robinson, anda daughter, Dr Lilieth AnnRobinson Bridgewater. Withtheir respective spouses, over time, Anthony and Anngifted Joyce and LeslieRobinson with six grandchil-dren. Professor Robinsondied on April 4, 2007.
TrailblazerJoyce Robinson was
promoted to the post ofdirector of the JLS in 1957,at a time when it was reck-oned that there was aglass ceiling retardingwomen in organisationsfrom rising to the top.Robinson was a trail-blazer in the cause of
upward mobility for women. Shereturned to North WesternPolytechnic in 1958 and, in 1959,was awarded the Fellowship ofthe Library Association of GreatBritain.
On her return to Jamaica, sheimmediately set about establishingthe JLS as an exemplary publicagency. She encouraged brightyoung women to enter the librari-anship profession and was, herself,the mentor of several younglibrarians. One of the ways inwhich she built the JLS into astrong institution was by develop-ing a winning team – comprisingherself, Leila Thomas, Dr HazelBennett, Sybil Iton and GloriaSalmon – to drive the institution.
Administrator and strategist
Robinson was the quintessen-tial administrator. She alwaysinsisted on proper and adequatedocumentation, especially relat-ing to matters of discipline. Shemade herself thoroughly con-versant with government-serv-ice regulations and proceduresso that negative senior officerscould not hoodwink her intoaccepting inaction because ofsome restrictive rule where amore positive option could belegitimately applied.
She was not only very knowl-edgeable of the rules, but also asmart strategist. While no oneknew better that the mostimportant resources in a librarywere books, she would some-times order shelving units aheadof books for two reasons: (1)when the books arrived, there
was no problem storing them,and (2) powerful guests couldbe invited on visits and luredinto the space with empty book-shelves that spoke eloquently ofthe need for books.
JLS growthIn the 16 years that elapsed
between Robinson’s appoint-ment as director of the JLS andPrime Minister Michael Manley’scall on her to proceed post-hasteto the National LiteracyProgramme, the JLS had grownfrom 60 libraries to 442 librariesand service points. She had initi-ated the rural bookmobile pro-gramme, which was serving 242areas. The Schools Library Servicehad expanded from 333 to 853libraries in primary and juniorsecondary schools. The profes-sional staff training programmehad accelerated to achieve anincrease from one qualifiedlibrarian in 1955 to 37 in 1973.
In 1973, Robinson was second-ed for two years from her sub-stantive post of JLS director torestore the National LiteracyProgramme from ruin causedlargely by machismo-inducedrivalry among severely disunitedsenior managers, who were con-sequently discarded. She adopteda no-nonsense approach to heradministration, sometimes ruf-fling feathers but leaving nodoubt regarding the pro-gramme’s locus of authority.
Under the chairmanship of R.Danny Williams and her director-ship, the programme was trans-formed and rebranded as theJamaican Movement for Adult
Literacy. She was formallyappointed executive director in1976 and held the post until1981, when she became generalmanager of the JamaicaBroadcasting Corporation (JBC).In that role, she administeredthe transition from black andwhite to colour television andsought to give a better deal torural listeners in the orientationof JBC Radio.
HEART ProgrammePrime Minister Edward Seaga
called on Joyce Robinson todirect the establishment anddevelopment of his 1980sHuman Employment andResource Training (HEART) pro-gramme, which included eightspecialised academies, private-sector on-the-job training, andthe micro-business self-employ-ment programme dubbed‘Solidarity’.
After her retirement from thepublic service in 1991, she pro-vided consultancy services inadult education and library plan-ning and development throughJoyce Robinson AssociatesLimited (1992-1996). She wassubsequently training coordina-tor (1996-99) of theGovernment of Jamaica/UnitedStates Agency for InternationalDevelopment (USAID) UpliftingAdolescent Programme.
Organisational connections
Throughout her busy career,Robinson was active in a largenumber of voluntary service-related organisations. She was amember and for several yearschairman of the National Councilon Libraries, Archives andDocumentation Services; presi-dent in 1964 and 1973 and exec-utive member for several termsof the Jamaica LibraryAssociation; executive memberof the Jamaica NationalCommission for UNESCO; councilmember of the Institute ofJamaica; member of the boardof governors of the ExcelsiorEducation Centre, St Hugh’s HighSchool, Girls’ Town of Jamaicaand other educational institu-tions; vice-chairman of theFoundation for International Self-Help; president of the YoungWomen’s Christian Association(YWCA) of Jamaica and chairmanof the Kingston YWCA; presidentof the Soroptomist Club ofJamaica; chairman and boardmember of the National Libraryof Jamaica, the establishment ofwhich she had strongly advocat-ed; vice-president for severalyears of the International Councilfor Adult Education; executivemember of the Jamaica Councilfor Adult Education; executivemember of the National BookDevelopment Council; fellow ofthe Jamaican Institute ofManagement; and member ofthe Extra-Mural Advisory Councilof the University of the WestIndies and of the UniversityWomen’s Club.
Special assignmentsAn expert in time management,
Robinson had a full slate of impor-tant special assignments over theyears, starting in 1962 with aUSAID-sponsored Foreign LeadersProgramme, comprising tours of16 cities over 60 days. She wasdeeply involved in events relatingto the UN Declaration of HumanRights and the International Yearof Human Rights. She participatedat various levels in a dozen inter-national events that took her tothe United States, France, theUnited Kingdom, Belgium, Israel,India and other countries.
She wrote numerous published papers and received many Jamaican and internationalhonours and awards, includinghonorary doctorates fromDalhousie University and theUWI, and the Order of Jamaicafor outstanding public service.
• www.jamaica-gleaner.com • gleanerjamaica • jamaicagleaner • SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURETHE GLEANER, TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013 D2
DR JOYCE ROBINSON, OJ, CD
in the cause of upwardmobility for women
Joyce Robinson addressing the function at the opening of theDepartment of Library Studies.
A trailblazer
• www.jamaica-gleaner.com • gleanerjamaica • jamaicagleaner • ADVERTISEMENTTHE GLEANER, TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013 D3
DR THE HONOURABLE JOYCE ROBINSON, O.J.
Jamaica has lost a great educator and leader….
The HEART Trust/NTA Family grieves with the family of the late Dr the Honourable Joyce Robinson, O.J. on her passing. Dr Rob or Dr Joyce as shewas called was a true champion of the people, so when she was asked to implement and lead the HEART Trust in 1982, it was a perfect fit for this greatLady.
Through the hardwork and commitment of the then Board of Directors and Management (of which she was a part), HEART Trust became the beaconof hope for thousands of young Jamaicans, many of whom are now major players in key sectors of our society. Her visionary leadership saw to the birthof some seven (7) Vocational Training Institutions and two (2) Training Programmes preparing hundreds for the world of work in skill areas fromconstruction to business, from hospitality to beauty services.Her hardwork also laid the foundation for the HEART Trust to become Jamaica’s National Training Agency - HEART Trust/NTA in 1991.
As we say goodbye to our former leader, the HEART Trust/NTA Family sends our thoughts to Dr Robinson’s family as we continue the work to whichshe dedicated her life - educate and train the people of Jamaica, Land we Love.
Dr Joyce Lilieth Robinson,Pioneering Managing Director of theHuman Employment and ResourceTraining (HEART) Trust, took up thisposition in 1982 with a mandate toassist in implementing the dream ofthe then Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon.Edward Seaga, which was to providefor Jamaica, a means to put intoproductive use, the country’s mostvalued resource, its youth.
She brought into her job, extensiveadministrative experience and ahealthy record of achievement as anation builder, with special emphasison the rehabilitation of those whoseemed to have least hope.
Dr. Robinson had an overwhelminglove for people and a strong desire tosee the success of others. In her ownwords, “My greatest joy is to seepeople succeed, to see them fulfilltheir human potential; and to knowin some small way that I havehelped them.”
Dr. Robinson was also a true andindomitable leader; she placed greatemphasis on teamwork, and neverfailed to credit her teammates whenapplauded for success.
With this background, it was notsurprising that Dr. Robinson washonoured both nationally and
internationally, beginning in 1959 withthe Award of the Member of theBritish Empire (MBE), followed in1969 with a Silver Musgrave Medal.In 1985, she was among the firstfifteen (15) to be named “Woman ofDistinction”, and in 1987 wasawarded the Order of Jamaica (O.J.)by the Government of Jamaica forDistinguished Public Service, duringthe 25th year of our Independence.The question then was,“Does Dr.Robinson find time for anythingoutside the major tasks of runningthe Island’s largest trainingprogramme?”The answer was a resounding YES!!!!
This very busy lady was involved in anumber of organizations, most ofthem to do with education and trainingand the development of young people.Dr. Robinson saw her life as one ofservice to God and her fellowmen.Her footprints are no longer on thisearthly soil, but she has left a lastinglegacy of LOVE, worthy of beingemulated.May her soul rest in peace, and lightperpetually shine upon her.
Carmen Bromley (Mrs.) J.P.Former Secretary/AdministrativeAssistant to Dr. RobinsonHEART Trust
TRIBUTE TO THE LATEDR THE HON. JOYCE LILIETH ROBINSON
THE HEART Trust/NTA Remembers
Former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, presents the Lifetime Award
to Dr the Hon. Joyce Robinson, O.J. at HEART Trust/NTA’s 30th Anniversary
Pioneer Dinner in November 2012.
Dr Robinson along
with other officials at
the Ground Breaking
Ceremony at Ebony
Park Academy, Toll
Gate, Clarendon in1984.
Dr Robinson (right) shares in a light moment at a function to celebrate HEART
Trust/NTA’s 20th Anniversary in 2002. From left to right are: the late Mr Steadley
Webster, pioneer Chairman, retirees Ms Pamella McKenzie and Mrs Delores O’Connor
former National Programmes Directors and Mr Alister Cooke, former Chairman of the
Board of Directors.
Former General Manager of the Runaway Bay Academy leads a group of officials to theproperty that was to become the Runaway Bay HEART Country Club. The group was
headed by then Prime Minster, the Right Honourable Edward Seaga, Dr the Hon. JoyceRobinson and former Minister Hon. Neville Gallimore.
Photographed with her son, Anthony, Dr Robinson was the recipient
of the Lifetime Award (second highest Award of the Trust) at the
30th Anniversary Pioneer Dinner held in November 2012.
Mr Kingsley Thomas, Guest speaker at the Portmore Academy’s
20th Anniversary function, escorts Dr Joyce Robinson to her
place at the Head Table.
At the final graduation exercise before she demitted office in 1990, Dr Robinson (second right)shares the spotlight with graduates from the Stony Hill Academy in November 1989. Others inthe photo include (left to right) the late Mr Ted Dwyer, the late Mrs Monica Stimpson, formerManager of the Institution and Mr Alister Cooke, former Chairman of the Board of Directors.
• www.jamaica-gleaner.com • gleanerjamaica • jamaicagleaner • JOYCE ROBINSON FEATURETHE GLEANER, TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2013 D4
The library profession salutes the late Dr Joyce Lilieth Robinson
A tribute from the Library andInformation Association of Jamaica
THE LATE Dr Joyce Robinson, a woman of inte-grity, can truly be described as a nation builderas a result of the selfless contribution which she
made to so many aspects of our national life. Shewas, however, first and foremost, a librarian – and shewas always proud of this as her professional calling. Asa library administrator, she made an out-standing contribution to the developmentof library institutions and became the dominant figure in librarianship in Jamaica.As such, she has left an indelible mark onthe profession at national and international levels. With a strong and decisive persona-lity, she was a leading force in the librarycommunity even after she was no longeractively involved in library work. The Libraryand Information Association of Jamaica (LIAJA) paystribute to this outstanding librarian and acknowledgeswith gratitude her contribution to the developmentof libraries and to the library profession.
A founding member of the Jamaica LibraryAssociation (the forerunner of LIAJA), Dr Robinson served the association in several capaci-ties, including that of president on two occasions– 1964 and 1973. In 1992, she was elected an honorary member of the association in recogni-tion of her contribution to the growth and devel-opment of the profession and to the courageousleadership she gave in promoting the value oflibrary services to national development.
Dr Robinson will be remembered specifically forher role in the development of the Jamaica LibraryService from 1950-1973 (the last 16 years as direc-tor and the first Jamaican to hold this position).Equally important was her role in advocating for theestablishment of a library school on the Mona cam-
pus of the University of the West Indies, as wellas her role as a founding member of theNational Council on Libraries, Archives andDocumentation Services. For this, she served asthe chairman from 1980-1990 and was instru-mental in the establishment of the NationalLibrary of Jamaica which she served as the firstboard chairman (1979-1996).
So significant has her contribution been tolibrary development and to other aspects of
national life that, in 1994, the Library Associationpublished a book of essays in her honour titledLLiibbrraarriieess,, LLiitteerraaccyy aanndd LLeeaarrnniinngg. As GloriaClarke, then president, said, “The many achieve-ments of Joyce Robinson have brought lustre tothe library profession and the Jamaica LibraryAssociation salutes her on her accomplishments”.This sentiment is echoed by the Library andInformation Association today as we join others ingiving thanks for her life of dedicated service toour country.
MMaatttthheeww BBllaakkeePPrreessiiddeennttLLIIAAJJAA
BLAKE
Dr Mavis Gilmour (right) and Dr Joyce Robinson at the St Elizabeth Homecoming Foundation15th annual Golden Awards Banquet at The Jamaica Pegasus in 2007.Right: Effie Lakersingh (left), and Dr Joyce Robinson (centre) in deep conversation with LulaWong at a National Council for Indian Culture of Jamaica reception to honour two judges atThe Jamaica Pegasus in February 2005.
Dr Joyce Robinson (left), vice-chairman of the National Councilon Libraries, Archives andInformation Systems (NACOLAIS)plants a kiss on the cheek ofSheila Lampart, retiring executivedirector of NACOLAIS, at a pres-entation and cocktail receptionheld in her honour at JamaicaHouse in June 1993.
Left: Pall-bearers carry the flag-draped casket of Dr the HonJoyce Robinson, OJ, CD, at theofficial funeral at the UWI MonaChapel on Friday, May 31, 2013.
FILE PHOTOS
A youthful Joyce Robinson.
Pauline Grant (left) presents Dr Robinson with her citationat the Foundation for Self-Help Development (Ja) Limited25th anniversary celebration dinner in 2010.
Douglas Graham (left), chairman of the NormanWashington Manley Foundation, and the Rev EddieBurke, recipient of the 1974 Norman Manley Award forExcellence, stand against the background of a life-sizephotograph of the late national hero while JoyceRobinson, member of the awards committee, reads thecitation at a ceremony held at Porus, Manchester, inJuly 1974.
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION STUDIESUNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
OJ, MBE, FLA, LL.D(HON)DalhousieUniversity,Canada&UWI.
Special Award made to Dr. Joyce Robinson of the 1971 Advisory Committee which designed the programme for the Department ofLibrary and Information Studies at the DLIS 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner, October 4, 2012.
AWARD PRESENTED TO DR. JOYCE ROBINSON BYMRS. ELSIE AARONS
DR. JOYCE ROBINSON AND DR. HAZEL BENNETT AT THEDLIS 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA DINNER
The Department of Library and Information Studies, UWI owes its existence largely to the advocacy of a group of pioneerlibrarians led by Dr. Joyce Robinson who influenced professional colleagues from other territories of the English SpeakingCaribbean to make representations to the University of the WestIndies concerning the establishment of a school for theeducation of Librarians in the region. Although UWI approved the request in 1963, funding had to be identified and again,Dr. Robinson’s influence along with representation by the Jamaica Library Association led the Government of Jamaica toapproach UNESCO for funding. With support from Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad &Tobago, UNESCO provided seed moneyas a grant which facilitated the establishment of the Department of Library Studies at Mona in 1971.
In its formative years Dr. Robinson, and other pioneer professionals from the region served on the UWI Senate-appointedAdvisory Committee and the department benefitted enormously from their advice.
The development of a cadre of professionally trained library and information professionals in Jamaica and the Caribbeanmust therefore be attributed in large part to the role Dr. Joyce Robinson played in the establishment of the Department ofLibrary and Information Studies, whose graduates now make significant contributions to the delivery of library andinformation services throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
In acknowledgement of her contribution to the education and training of librarians in Jamaica and thewider Caribbean, the staff and students of the Department of Library and Information Studies pay tributeto the foresight and untiring efforts of an outstanding daughter of Jamaica.
MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.Paulette A. Kerr, PhDHOD, Department of Library & Information Studies,UWI, Mona
TRIBUTE INHONOUROF
