Ann Hubbard, left, of the museums division of the Institute of Jamaica, explains this display to visitors during an outreach exercise. Museum professionals, such as Ms. Hubbard and others who work in libraries, archives, and heritage sites, as well as students of cultural and heritage studies and historians, can join the newly-formed International Council of Museums Jamaica chapter.- Contributed
Jamaica is now an official member of the Inter-national Council of Museums (ICOM), an organisation based in Paris, France, which networks over 15,000 museums as well as professional museum workers worldwide.
The local chapter is expected to be officially launched in May, according to Wayne Modest, chairman of ICOM Jamaica, and director of museums at the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ).
In outlining ICOM's role, he explained that the international body provides a forum for the exchange of information about heritage and its preservation.
"This move towards forming a local organisation is an important one," Mr. Modest said, "particularly with the development of Government policy decision regarding the export/import of cultural artefacts."
He said the Jamaican chapter will seek to make representation regarding this and other important issues on behalf of all local museums.
Some 15 persons have registered for membership in ICOM Jamaica, drawn from organisations such as the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT), University of the West Indies and the IOJ.
Mr. Modest is encouraging other interested persons to join the organisation in order to discuss their concerns and participate in the range of activities that "can only be beneficial to those sharing this interest".
Potential members include professionals working in libraries, archives, museums, Great Houses and other heritage sites, as well as students of heritage and cultural studies and historians.
The process of forming ICOM Jamaica began with an initial meeting of representatives from various cultural institutions based in Jamaica. this meeting was facilitated by UNESCO through the efforts of its local representative, Sylvia Thomas.
The ICOM Jamaica secretariat will be based at the IOJ's Museum Division at 10 East Street, downtown Kingston.
