Perhaps no other public servant has left the Anguilla Public Service with the big show of support that accompanied the departure of Mr. Bernard B. Wattley through the spectacular launch of his book: “From the Heart: 101 Calypsos Sung and Unsung”.
The longstanding invisible and anonymous calypso writer, behind a cadre of successful local and regional artistes, has finally been unmasked at his own choosing and timing. The revelation came at the launch of his book on Saturday, September 29, at Flavours Restaurant, La Vue Boutique Hotel.
Despite his reticence as a prolific songwriter, he was however widely known for his talent as a social commentator in the calypso art form. It was no wonder that the launch of his book of calypsos drew a large and eager crowd that filled every available seat. His status as a graduate of Mc Gill University and the University of the West Indies, a long-serving teacher, public service administrator and, until recently, Director of Library Services, also contributed in large measure to his popularity in the Anguillian community and the support he received at his book launch.
Mr. Wattley’s look-a-like brother, Mr. Douglas Wattley, a former teacher in Cayon, St. Kitts, now a strategic consultant, chaired the launch ceremony and spoke highly of his older sibling’s skilful song writing.
“We are effectively celebrating three milestones in the life of Mr. Bernard Wattley,” he told his listeners. “In one instance, we are celebrating Bernard’s 60th birthday – the fist of October being his birthday. We are also celebrating Bernard’s retirement from the public service of Anguilla; but more so we are celebrating the official launch of his book – an anthology of calypso songs captured over many years…I am very proud to be associated with this event and of what he has accomplished. Growing up, we would always hear that persons in the Caribbean fail to document and publish their work – so I am glad that he has decided to do so.
“It is no small feat because 101 songs are an indication that he has been around in the calypso business for a while. The truth is that the launch of the book is an important milestone for Bernard because he has taken a critical step in documenting and publishing his work; and in my opinion his work is a crucial addition to the local and regional culture. By any stretch of the imagination, Bernard is a prolific writer of calypsos.”
Responding to his brother’s comments, Bernard Wattley said about two of them (Douglas and another brother, a calypsonian called ‘Big Lice’): “They are usually the ones in the spotlight while I remain very reserved and very much content to live in their shadows. Tonight, however, it is no longer possible to conceal my presence while lurking in the shadows. It is my turn to have the spotlight moment, and I am extremely happy to a have a couple of my brothers, as well as my sister and several of her off-springs, here in Anguilla to lend support to me in this moment of glory.”
He continued: “I am not sure if you have ever had an idea that tugged at you for an extended period of time either until you outright dismissed it or eventually gave in to it. The publication of this collection of songs was one such idea which tonight has become a reality.”
During the launch of the book, calypsos written by Mr. Wattley were performed by Singing Liyah, Super Mario, the Mighty Linger and the Mighty Slinger – the 2018 Anguilla Calypso King. The review of the book was done by Mrs. Sharon Lake, and remarks on behalf of the publisher, Emmanuel Publishing House, were delivered by its representative, Ms. Ivenia Benjamin.
Mr. Wattley, now retiring as Director of Library Services, was presented with a plaque by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett. He, in turn, took the opportunity to present copies of his book to the Anguilla Public Library and the Department of Youth and Culture.
The event climaxed with Mr. Wattley signing copies of his book for many persons who stood in a long line to purchase them.
