ZIZ to preserve cultural  heritage

By Cherisse M. Sutton-Jeffers
Reporter SKNVibes.com

The Right Hon. Robert L. Bradshaw, the first Premier of St. Kitts-Nevis at his viewing back in 1978 at government headquarters

The US$55 000 United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation [UNESCO] funded project was launched yesterday at the Ocean Terrace Inn.

According to the DAP’s Team Leader, Cheryl Ward, proposal for the project was presented to UNESCO in 2006 to assist in the restoration, conversion and preservation of ZIZ’s Television archive.

Ward said the purpose of the project is to capture and preserve old video content. She also said a number of challenges were met due to the fact that technology keeps changing and today’s equipment is not compatible with yesterday’s tape.  

The project will feature videos from as far back as the 1970s; some of which will include activities of the Federation’s Independence in 1983, funerals of the late Robert L Bradshaw and C A Paul Southwell, opening of the Sandy Point High School by Princess Margaret, and an interview with Cuba’s Fidel Castro.

Project Manager and General Manager of ZIZ, Mr. Winston McMahon

Ward noted that the DAP will involve the transfer and digitising of 5 000 tapes with over 10 000 hours of materials at the cost of US$55 000.

Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor, who is also Chairman of the National Commission for UNESCO, said he believes that the project would help to develop an identity.

Minister Condor explained that the films would come in a variety of forms showing a clear picture of cultural heritage and “the beauty of our land”, adding ZIZ is playing a crucial role making them [the films] publicly available.

He also expressed gratitude to UNESCO on behalf of the government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for its readiness and always being willing to assist.

Also present at the launch were the Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian; Chairman of ZBC Peter Jenkins, who gave the opening remarks; Project Manager Winston McMahon; Pastor Lincoln Connor, who rendered a prayer; and other ZBC officials.

ZIZ Television Station was established in 1972. 

Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Sam Condor	DAP’s Team Leader, Cheryl Ward