Many nationals and tourists of Anguilla thronged the poolside of Frangipani Beach Club on Friday 22nd February 2019 in eager anticipation of the launching of Anguilla’s first book publication produced on the tumultuous storm, Hurricane Irma. The book dubbed, “Natures Terrorist Hurricane Irma, The Unleashing of an Unstoppable Fury on the Tiny Island of Anguilla in the Caribbean,” is authored by Anguillian native, J. Christopher (Chris) Richardson. The book is dedicated to his father, a born Anguillian of the village of South Hill.
This is the author’s second book project, the first being “Looking Back Through the Eyes of a Teacher’s son.” Chris is known for having a unique style of writing and as one of the guests who would have read his first book stated: “When I read any of his material I can hear his sonorous voice and his sense of passion in every word on those pages.”
The first guest speaker, Dr. Mervyn Richardson (brother of Chris), said he knew Chris from birth and his writings today are no surprise to the family. He continued, “As a child growing up in Sandy Point St. Kitts, we were raised in a fenced property and were cautioned not to leave the premises without parental permission. But Chris, an inquiring mind, sought no permission as he would jump the fence and mingle with the villagers, and on his return he will report to us the happenings in the village.”
The second guest speaker, Dr. Wycliffe Fahie, jovially highlighted Chris’ creativity and made reference to his first book which spoke of village life which compelled him to crack the pages of his second book “Nature’s Terrorist Hurricane Irma.” He opined captioning the book as “Nature’s Terrorist” was very imaginative indeed and is thought provoking in and of itself. He spoke to the record time of writing this book which comprises over two hundred pages, and he knows it’s not an easy task as he implored all to walk by the desk and have an autographed copy.
Mr. Bren Romney, Director of Youth and Culture, spoke to the occasion as super special as the book launch marked Chris’ mom’s, Teacher Enid’s, 88th birthday. The crowd cheered at this comment as the two grandchildren, DeLeon and Kohn, sang her the happy birthday song. Mr. Romney commented that he knows Chris on a personal and professional level and highlighted him as an exceptionally talented speaker, lecturer, conversationalist and writer. He referenced that the Department of Youth and Culture, on a number of occasions, would have employed his services in conducting various workshops and the participants could have never got tired of listening to him. Mr. Romney claimed, “He has a unique style of holding his audience’s attention and, as he teaches and engages them in discussions, it is usual for him to insert stories that keep everyone on the edge of their seat. Absolutely no one sleeps in Chris’s sessions whether it is half day, whole day or two days. He is just a gifted young man.”
Chris’ Chief editors, Mr. Charles and Mrs. Lynn Dubois (retired writer and communication specialist for the Pennsylvania State Government and Penn State University), commented: “In this book you will find a vivid account of the harrowing hours when Irma terrorized Anguilla and of the heroic days when Anguillians rose to rebuild and renew. On these pages are tales of sadness and humor, of missteps and shortsightedness, of compassion and bravery, but, above all, of enduring faith and the will to endure. New York Times # 1 Bestselling author, Marshal Karp, commented, “Nature’s Terrorist Hurricane Irma” is so much more than a book about a natural disaster that ravaged an entire Caribbean nation. It is a riveting story about triumph over adversity. It is about hope emerging from despair and finding that silver lining behind the darkest clouds.”
Sandra, wife of Chris, introduced him as a hard worker and one who sees no challenge as insurmountable, which was confirmed by his son Ian.
The curtains were brought down by the magical singing of Omari Banks with his iconic song “Just Move On.” Chris thanked all for their support – including the ownership of Frangipani Beach Resort who sponsored the venue. He exhorted all to tell their stories in print form and reminded them of the maxim, “Until Lions write their own history, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Books are on sale at US$20 at Paramount Pharmacy, in the Water Swamp, or persons can contact Chris or Sandra at 1(264) 235 6401.
