Sherron M. Thomas at the launch of her book 'Essence of Inspiration' on July 29, 2016. Photo: VINO

Virgin Islands author Sherron M. Thomas addresses the gathering at her book launch at Central Administration Complex on July 29, 2016. Photo: VINO

Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (left) and Opposition Leader Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) at the launch of Essence of Inspiration. Photo: VINO

The front cover of the book depicts one of the territory’s most visited sites, The Baths in Virgin Gorda, showing off the turquoise waters, white sand and the huge boulders to perfection. It is a collection of enlightening and purposeful poems, aimed to captivate and inspire.

The book launching ceremony took place at the Breezeway of Central Administration Complex on Wickham’s Cay I on Friday July 29, 2016 and was a collaboration with the Department of Culture.

The ceremony was two-fold: to promote the author and the book and to assist the department of Culture’s mandate, which is to promote the literary arts of the Virgin Islands.

Thomas said her writing began as a child, from under a mango tree in her back yard and would write even at nights when the lights were turned off, saying she would use a torchlight to read and write.

“That light was the light that shined for me and I wanted it to come out to share,” she said.

“That was my way of expression, but I wasn’t keeping those writing, sometimes I would hide them, but my ma would find them and one day she saw me destroying those writings and said to me in a very strong voice “stop throwing away you”. I am forever indebted and for those teachings, my parents, their guidance and they live on in us.”

The author is the daughter of Ellis Thomas, one of the horse racing pioneers in the territory, and whom the race track in Sea Cows Bay is named after.

A reminder to future generations

Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn said publishing any book is an accomplishment and congratulated Thomas on pursuing her passion. He said he is proud that another Virgin Islander is launching a book and that while many consider the VI a small territory there have been three book launches in three weeks, thanks to the interest of the people and the desire to share their stories.

The Minister added that it is his hope that books like Ms Thomas’ will serve as an inspiration and a reminder to future generations of the true character and tenacity of Virgin Islanders.

According to him, in his very brief overview of the “Essence of Inspiration”, it is a poetic contemplation of life. For this cause, compilations like this, he continued, will have souls replenished with words of wisdom and words to remind all particularly during this season of Emancipation that they come from a rich ancestry and they do have within them the capacity to overcome any challenge.

Local history should be mandatory in schools

Opposition Leader, Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) noted that the new author’s work should be promoted in the schools and as a result encouraged her to speak with the two schools in his district with a view of possibly including it in the schools’ curriculum.

He said he would make available whatever number of books the schools need.

He stated that it is his view that local history should be compulsory in secondary schools and urged Thomas to take a look at the bookstores to have her work available locally.

Essence of Inspiration is already available on Amazon.com and other online platforms.

The author vowed that Essence of Inspiration will not be the one and only book from her

Coies of the book were given to the Department of Culture, Hon Walwyn, the Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Ronnie W. Skelton, Hon Fraser, the National Archives and Records Management Unit, among others.