The launch of Ruby's Writings takes place at Maria's by the Sea. Photo: Provided

The book was compiled by her daughter Dr. Arlene Smith-Thompson and published through the House of Nehesi Publishers, a Caribbean publishing house.

This posthumous collection of literary writings by the late Ruby Smith-Newberry includes many relatable stories about her lived experiences within a Caribbean context that she chronicled over several decades in poetry or story form. Her deep interest in creative writing and stage performances, allowed her to instill the same passion for the arts in many of the students whom she taught over her 36-year career as a primary school teacher.

Mrs. Smith-Newberry’s creative writing talent was very unique as she wrote in different genres. During her lifetime, she authored three other books –two autobiographies l I Shall Not Die But Live (1984); Stand Still (2012) and one primary school reader which was commissioned by the BVI Government in collaboration with UNESCO - Now and Then (1984).

In reflecting on the publication journey, the book’s compiler, Dr. Arlene Smith- Thompson, explained that the production of Ruby’s Writings was birthed out of the need to preserve her mother’s literary writings as part of her rich legacy and for the benefit of future generations. She further related that the completion of Ruby’s Writings was a promise she made to her mother before she passed away on January 20th, 2024 and was elated that she will finally be able to share her mother’s writing passion with a wide reading audience locally, regionally and even internationally, through this special compilation.

Dr. Kathy Smith, Director of Culture, acknowledges the importance of publications such as Ruby’s Writings which can not only be used as a teaching and learning tool within the Virgin Islands school system particularly in the area of literature. She further acknowledged the seamless ways in which Mrs. Smith-Newberry often fused cultural songs and dances from her native homeland – St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with local Virgin Islands artistic performances in many of the schools where she taught, making for an even richer diaspora of cultural afro-centric influences.

The launch of Ruby’s Writings will also coincide with the official launch of the Rubystone Foundation which was established to honour the memory of Mrs. Ruby Smith- Newberry, who would have celebrated her 87th birthday on 24th February. This Foundation will support the causes Mrs. Smith-Newberry was most passionate about such as philanthropy, inclusive education, the performing arts and mental health wellness for the benefit of the younger generation.

The official launch of Ruby’s Writings on Sunday promises to be an exciting event as it will bring together former students of Mrs. Smith-Newberry, as well as current students, in a cultural display of creative performances in remembrance of their teacher and mentor. The general public is invited to attend this event which is free of charge. The cost of the publication is $20.