DCOMM representative attends Archive conference in Aruba

A representative of the Department of Communication (DCOMM), documentalist Lee Williams, attended the Dutch Caribbean Heritage Week in Aruba, from April 8-12. The symposium had the theme: “Moving Towards a Caribbean Shared Heritage Platform.”

The purpose of the conference was to gather and share information, network, and learn about the latest developments in the field of archiving and heritage, Williams said. “By engaging with each other, we can maximize the potential in these important areas of archiving in the Dutch Caribbean, BES and SSS, and at DCOMM.

The aim of the symposium, according to the brochure, is “to convene stakeholder from the cultural heritage sector of the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands to discuss collaborative initiatives.”

In addition, organizers pointed out that the further objectives were to foster cooperation and coordination among heritage sectors within and across the Dutch Caribbean by enhancing the preservation and accessibility of collections, thereby encompassing both the pre- and post-slavery periods. The goal is to unite efforts towards comprehensive heritage preservation and access, recognizing our shared history and cultural heritage.

At the symposiums, there were many sessions during the week aimed at and embracing the goals set out, including viewing a mini-documentary, having network sessions, discussing and sharing visions, activities, practices, discussing the national archives, and digital collections.

The organizers strategy is too digitally connect 150 heritage organizations, starting with and building upon and include the Dutch Caribbean with these groups, institutions, organizations and departments, Williams said. By working together, we are preserving, managing, and making the archives accessible to all.

There were sessions meant to identifying opportunities for collaboration and contribution to the network, presentations on digital heritage, internet archives, digital transformation and culture, in addition to visits to Aruba’s national archives, national library, and digital collections.

“We learned at this conference,” DCOMM representative said, “what other departments are doing, and how, and what the latest technological methods were. In addition being informed about the amount of information related to all islands within the Dutch Caribbean.”

Williams looks forward to continuing learning and using what knowledge and information there is and sharing this with her department, other government departments, the general public, visitors, guests, researchers, and others of St Maarten.

Williams wanted to thank the Prins Bernhard Cultural Funds (Dutch Caribbean) for assisting in said trip.​