Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool’s autobiography entitled “Overcoming The Odds” was launched at the Teacher’s Resource Center on December 19, 2013. Mr. Vanterpool, now retired, suffered a heart attack and stroke on October 19th. Friends and family comforted him as they sang gospel songs, prayed, and read from his book through out the ceremony. The beloved teacher began his teaching career in 1951 and ultimately became principal of several schools – and on the 15th of October 2009 the Island Harbour Primary School was renamed in his honor.
“Overcoming the Odds,” is not just a book about Mr. Vanterpool’s life. It is a look into Anguilla’s past during vast changes through the eyes of this strong-spirited teacher. Some chapters of his book are entitled Hard Times, Promotion To Principal, Anguilla Revolution, and New Challenges In Retirement providing a glimpse of conditions in Anguilla from 1930’s to 2010.
When Mr. Vanterpool was born there were no surfaced roads, running water, telephones or electricity. One of his sons, Kennedy Vanterpool, who was one of his inspirations to finish the book said, “My dad wanted to accomplish three things before he passed away. Number one is his sixtieth wedding anniversary; number two is to finish his autobiography, and number three to finish reading the Bible for the tenth time. One of the things I keep telling him is that his book is entitled Overcoming The Odds,” now he must write a second book of “Overcoming The Odds.”
The Honorable Minister of Education, Mr. Jerome Roberts, made some brief remarks at the ceremony: “Without vision our people would all perish and this occasion is symbolic of a man who had vision and determination. Mr. Vivien Arthwin Vanterpool has made an indelible mark on the lives of many Anguillians who are reaping the benefits from such noble tutoring. I was told that Teacher Arthwin, as I affectionately call him, traveled the length of this island, sometimes by foot, sometimes by bicycle, on dirt roads, fulfilling his call to the role of educating our people. The conditions then compared to what we have today are indeed of no comparison, and therefore I think it is fitting that we all tip our hats to his sterling contribution to the educational advancement of our people through those tough and difficult periods.”
After the program there was a book signing as well as food and beverages for the participants.
Article by Josharmond Romney
