An Anthology of Poems, relating to Anguilla, is the latest published work to hit the bookshelves on the island. Written by former Educator, now passionate Poet, Mrs. Hyacinth Hughes, of Lower South Hill, the 79-page literary work is enticingly entitled Sweet River Song.
The book is all the more alluring when one calls to memory the superb stage performance of its well-known and jovial author whose style of writing and delivery has long entertained audiences in various parts of the island. Am I losing it? is one of her published poems which won her much acclaim in recent times and there are a host of others just as entertaining and inspiring. The book is divided into four parts as follows: Part 1: The Nation; Part 2: School Life; Part 3: Life Experiences; and Part 4: Limericks.
Mrs. Hughes’ easy-to-read book of poems, with illustrations by young artist, Canita Ruan, was launched on Monday evening this week, May 16, at La Vue. The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Bren Romney, Director of Youth and Culture. He was not only delighted to perform that role, but more so as his department had assisted with sponsoring the launch of the book as part of its encouragement to, and support for, other cultural bearers in Anguilla.
Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett, whose responsibilities include Education and Culture, spoke about Mrs. Hughes’ book: “I was very pleased to know that she was launching this book of poems because obviously there is a need for the publication of more work in Anguilla. The fact that she embarked on this particular venture is really an inspiration to other poets who are out there but may not have the confidence to publish their work. I know that there are many aspiring poets in Anguilla who write poems within the confines of their homes, some of whom may have shared in such events as the Malliouhana Poetry Competition, but there are not so many who are willing to publish their work for others to read and, may be, critique. So it is a very bold move on her part and so I think it can serve as a motivation to others.”
The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry was pleased that the Department of Youth and Culture had assisted with the event. “We want to promote local writing as much as possible so whatever support we can give, we will try to do so,” she added.
In the absence of The Anguillian, at another event, the programme also included remarks by Mrs. Palmavon Webster, Leader of the Opposition in the Anguilla House of Assembly; Professor Delroy Louden, President of the Anguilla Community College, who gave an overview of the book; Mrs. Eulah Bartlette and Miss. T’arah Niles both of whom recited poems; and Reverend John A. Gumbs, who delivered the opening prayer.
Responding, M
rs. Hughes said her love for poetry-writing dated back to her primary school years when she learnt many beautiful poems written by international poets. She subsequently taught poetry and eventually decided to create her own poems. She entered her first poem in the Malliouhana Poetry Competition in 2007 and over the years captured first, second and third places. She steadily continued her writing and in 2013 and 2014 some of her poems were presented at Lit Fest. “Over the next two years, I had amassed enough poems for publishing,” she stated. “This ceremony is the culmination of many hours, days and years of writing, rewriting and editing.”
Mrs. Hughes continued: “I have taken my first steps into the literary world and I know that there is still much for me to learn about the art of poetry-writing. However, I will employ the old maxim – “Practice makes perfect – so I will practice. Ladies and gentlemen, I humbly present for your reading pleasure Sweet River Song.”
Her supportive husband, Mr. Elvet Hughes, a former Head of the Maths Department at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, and a former Permanent Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office, gave the Vote of Thanks. Among other matters, he spoke about his wife’s love for, and devotion to, poetry-writing; her long hours of work and his diligent support for her.
Sweet River Song is being sold at US$15.00 or EC$40.00.
