‘Tito’ to strengthen ties between Jamaica and Chile

As the bond continues to strengthen between Jamaica and Chile, a Jamaican publisher has sought to bring the two cultures even closer through the translation of the work of a Chilean author.

Tito, a book geared towards young readers, was translated from Spanish to English, published in Jamaica, and recently launched at the Cockburn Gardens Primary & Junior High School in St Andrew.

The book is about the life of young Tito, who grew up in Chile, developing his passion for his academic studies as well as playing football.

According to the Chilean author, Marcelo Simonetti, he was inspired to write Tito after realising he was losing his childhood memories and those with his son.

Patricia Findley, principal of Cockburn Gardens Primary and Junior High School, said that the book should have a positive impact on the students of Jamaica, with its links between sports and culture.

Publisher Dr Ian Randle said the book is a demonstration of the commitment of the governments of Jamaica and Chile to promote exchanges and cooperation in sport and culture, and the desire of the Jamaican Government to promote the Spanish language.

These commitments were reiterated this past weekend when the leaders of both countries met for bilateral discussions.

"The book is here to build knowledge of both countries," said Eduardo Javier Bonilla Menchaca, Chilean ambassador to Jamaica.

According to Olayinka Jacobs-Bonnick of the British Council, the launch was a fitting prelude to the observation of Child Month and 'Boys in Education Week', jointly sponsored by the British Council and the Jamaica Teaching Council.

- Nicholas Nunes