“Voices of Women: Lessons from Women for Women and Men” was launched at the Central Administration Building (Breezeway) yesterday November 27, 2012 where a number of persons received complimentary copies. Photo: VINO

Just about two years since her first book “A Timely Journey of Faith” was launched, local author Sheila N. Brathwaite has seen see her second inspirational work “Voices of Women: Lessons from Women for Women and Men” launched. Photo: Facebook

Mrs Brathwaite said said she felt compelled to write a book focussing on women once it dawned on her that it needed to be done. She also said her first book had preached mostly to men. Photo: VINO

A purchaser of the newly launched book gets it autographed by the author. Photo: VINO

Persons getting their copies of "Voices of Women". Photo: VINO

These were some of the praises echoed at the launch of the book “Voices of Women: Lessons from Women for Women and Men” at the Central Administration Building (Breezeway) yesterday November 27, 2012.

In a speech sent by Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, who was not able to make the launch due to him being in Standing Finance Committee, he noted that the contributions of Mrs Brathwaite, both as a former public servant and now an author, have been invaluable to the achievements of the Territory.

Regarding the book, Hon. Walwyn stated that society can easily be judged by the experiences of the women in that society and added that he believed “Voices of Women will give all of us an idea of the experiences of women of the bible but also those in the Virgin Islands, which is very important for future reflections.”

He said society can learn many things from the experiences of women both past and present.

Among those who spoke about the book was Mrs Dorcas Fahie, who described it as inspiring. She added that the book highlighted the role of women in bible times as it shows both the  godly and ungodly characteristics of those listed. “In her private life she is continuing to make important contributions to Literature. In every sphere of life women give back to the community to raise the level of discourse on important issues and Sheila is doing just that. Be inspired and inspire others to strengthen the fabric of our homes and society,” Mrs Fahie stated.

Pastor of City SDA Church in St. Thomas, USVI, Dr. Vincent David in his remarks sent due to him also being unable to make the book launch said Voices of Women echoes the sentiments of many hearts as Brathwaite seeks to expose readers to the telescopic view of women before her time, in bible times and through her space and time. The book, he said,  speaks to everyone and not just women and that lessons of encouragement and grace are to be learned from reading it. “You will encounter a deeper understanding of how God deals with human infirmities and at the same time magnifies and strengthens...”

Mrs Brathwaite said she felt compelled to write a book focussing on women once it dawned on her that it needed to be done. She also said her first book had focussed mostly on men.

The author said Voices of Women could be read like a book, for devotion with readings for 366 days of the year or research. “It covers 82 women in 62 chapters.”

The book is available locally at Clover’s, Beacon Bible Book Store, National Educational Book Store, Riteway Supermarket (Pasea) and Nature’s Way and online including on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online prior to the launch, Mrs Brathwaite said "Voices of Women", just as her first work, is a devotional book which elaborates the lives of Biblical and contemporary women. “It focuses on women in the bible and how you can learn from them.”

She added that among the few contemporary women featured in her new book is her mother Clover Anthony, who is also the founder of Clover’s.

Mrs Brathwaite’s first work “A Timely Journey of Faith” is a compilation of sermons, exhortations, hymns and scriptures with the intent of helping to direct individuals to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. The hymns and scriptures complement the sermons and exhortations.

(Information was used from previous story posted)