COCI supports literacy movement through D.E.A.R. reading initiative

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry, COCI, has joined efforts supporting the newly launched National Literacy Movement through participation in the D.E.A.R. initiative, which stands for Drop Everything and Read.

As part of activities surrounding the official launch of the National Literacy Movement, COCI Board Member Nzinga Lake engaged Chamber staff and members of the Board of Directors in reading activities aimed at promoting literacy, lifelong learning and personal development.

Lake hosted a D.E.A.R. reading session with COCI staff featuring Kwame, a novel written by her father, Joseph H. Lake Jr., a respected St. Martin author, journalist, publisher and political scientist.

The session gave participants an opportunity to engage with local literature while supporting the goals of the National Literacy Movement and encouraging greater appreciation for reading as part of everyday life.

Following the staff session, Lake presented copies of Kwame to members of COCI's Board of Directors and shared an overview of the book, its themes and the author's contributions to St. Martin's literary and intellectual heritage.

The presentation also highlighted the role of literature and storytelling in preserving Caribbean culture, history and identity.

The Board of Directors and Management of COCI congratulated the National Literacy Movement on its official launch and expressed appreciation to the organizers for introducing the D.E.A.R. initiative.

COCI said it was pleased to participate in the activity and commended Lake and Chamber Management for facilitating an engaging experience focused on literacy, learning and community participation.

The National Literacy Movement represents a collaborative effort to encourage reading among people of all ages and backgrounds. Through initiatives such as D.E.A.R., the Movement aims to inspire individuals, families, schools, businesses and community organizations to make reading a regular part of daily life and contribute to a more literate and informed society.

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