There is little shortage now of published Anguillian literary works with the launching of yet another locally-written book.
This time, the author is retired Teacher, Mrs. Patricia Adams. Her latest publication is set in Anguillian lifestyle and cultural heritage and is written in dialect. Blue Beans, described as a gripping novel, is her most extensive ambition. It climaxes a long list of traditional and patriotic poems, songs and plays – all spanning a period of some fifty years of the author’s continuing active life. For this book, and all her other writings, which are widely being used in school and community life, and for her zeal and patriotism, Mrs. Adams should be highly commended.
Teacher Patsy, as she is affectionately called, launched her novel at a well-attended ceremony on Friday, May 27, at St. Mary’s Anglican Church where she spent her early religious life. The opening prayer was delivered by former Pastor Cecil Richardson of the Central Baptist Church where the author is now a member.
Her son, Pastor Dwayne Adams, of that Church, and a Teacher at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, gave a comprehensive insight into the history of Blue Beans dating back to its inception in September 1989. He said in part: “This novel spans the period between the 1950s and the mid-60s, depicting life in Anguilla just before our Revolution in 1967. Things are much different now and many cultural aspects mentioned in the novel are foreign to the local younger readers. The premise of my mom’s book is founded on her father’s Michael Christian’s love for her, his first child and only daughter. Her husband lost his mother at age 2, but was blessed to have a father, John Adams, for 58 years. Grand pa and mom had a great relationship and dad is a wonderful father to us all – all six children. So, the fictional, yet true father in the book and theme, are centred on these three great men – two of whom are now deceased – who helped my mother to realise that there are still some wonderful, dedicated fathers in society.”
Another of Mrs. Adams’ son, Dr. Patwin Adams, read her biography and various persons presented poems written by her over the years. Took & the Boys String Band, and the Choir of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, performed a number of her songs. Mrs. Adams read three excerpts from her book and her two daughters, Mrs. Shermin Adams, and Mrs. Candis Mkoba, introduced the chairperson and gave Vote of Thanks respectively. The able chairperson was Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett who also presented a number of limericks/proverbs – part of the author’s cultural work.
Among the audience was Chief Minister, Mr. Victor Banks. “Let me congratulate Mrs. Patricia Adams and her family for the wonderful launch we have here at St. Mary’s Anglican Church,” he said. “It is a tremendous opportunity for us to witness what I believe is a culmination of her work…It gives us a chance not only to read this book, but to reflect on some of the other work she has done. On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, I would like to congratulate you, Teacher Patsy, and your family, for the launching of this very important work which captures not only a part of our culture and history, but also is presented in the language that many of us understand and are proud of.”
Blue Beans, which relates particularly to a father and a son, was also hailed by Mr. Bren Romney, Director of Youth and Culture, who was pleased that his department was able to assist with its publication. “Your entire work has done us proud and is a testament to that,” he told Teacher Patsy … “We appreciate your willingness to give back to the development and preservation of culture in Anguilla and I think this is the pinnacle of what you have done so far.”
Copies of Blue Beans, which covers an extensive Anguillian family cultural story, is available at US$20.00.
