A book entitled ‘Kemarley of Anguilla’, based on an Anguillian boy named Kemarley, was the cause of much excitement at the book signing ceremony by author Annie Potts, an award winning actress. It was held at Straw Hat Restaurant at Meads Bay on Thursday 29 January.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Arijah Children’s Foundation – a non–profit organization whose mission is to serve Anguilla’s children with special needs.
The book was born out of a chance meeting at Meads Bay between actress Annie Potts and a special needs boy, ‘Kemarley’, which blossomed into something beautiful and productive. Or maybe not ‘chance’ after all for, according to Annie, “I think divinity works that way. Everyone you meet is for a reason.” She is speechless that it all came into being.
Having met Kemarley, her enduring compassion for his plight was the catalyst for the book, it’s objective being to raise awareness among, locals and visitors, of the need for support of the special needs children in Anguilla. She thinks the book is an ongoing way to actively offer support for their needs.
Her search to find out what help was available for Kemarley on the island, lead her to the Blossom Centre/Arijah Children’s Foundation. Renuka Harrigan, founder, is of the opinion that the book has raised an awareness of the foundation; about children with special needs and about their need for support. She said the sale of the book has raised funds to start a special programme. This programme helps children who cannot talk to communicate via an I-pad. Each I-pad has a special app called ‘A Voice of my Own’. She is proud to note that they learn it very quickly and that Kemarley has already used it to say, “Thank You”, to Annie (who is totally delighted).
