Director of the HLSCC’s Virgin Islands Studies Institute, Mrs. Bernadine Louis is collaborating with principal author and past HLSCC student, Gabrielle Skelton Bardo to co-author Book Two – Eastern Tortola of the Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands Series. The book’s cover and some of the content that will be included was recently shared at a book reveal event.
The series which will comprise of six (6) volumes with illustrations, cover each of the main islands and the outlying cays. Book two of the series will be launched later in the year.
Mrs. Louis said, “This project showcases the value of the Institute’s work to the community, as the Institute is a major source of information on Virgin Islands history and culture and can also provide research assistance and guidance for projects of this nature.”
Minister for Education, Culture, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and President of the HLSCC, local author and poet laureate, Dr. Richard Georges both attended the event and gave encouraging remarks.
The six volumed project consists of a team of individuals throughout the community. In an editorial capacity, the team includes local historian, education stalwart and acclaimed author, Dr. Quincy Lettsome and HLSCC lecturer, Mrs. Medita Wheatley.
Vice-Chair of the HLSCC’s Board of Governors and Executive Director of Unite BVI, Dr. L Sauda Smith is also a mentor to the Book series project.
In addition to the book series project, a “Territorial doll” initiative was introduced with a team of young entrepreneurs including Local Designer, Kristin Frazer; Local Illustrators, Dwayne Mactavious and Jehiah Maduro; Zoe Walcott; Local Artist, Joseph Hodge and April Glasgow are also part of the project team.
Book one, authored by Gabrielle Skelton Bardo and illustrated by David Thrasher covers Central Tortola and was published in July of 2020. It highlights the territorial symbols and major historical landmarks in Road Town and the surrounding areas with eye-catching illustrations that can be coloured.
Territorial symbols such as the bird, tree, and dish; as well as landmarks such as Old Administration Building, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Cottage Hospital/Peebles Hospital (now Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital), Old Her Majesty’s Prison, Sunday Morning Well, and more are included.
The Series will continue to highlight the historical and cultural information of the BVI elementary level curriculum.