The Green Space illuminated with imagination and purpose on Thursday 26th February 2026 as educators, government officials, students and families gathered for the official launch of Fran The Firefly Has Lost Her Light, by Anguillian author Serena Connor. What unfolded was far more than a book launch. It was a celebration of literacy, identity and community, wrapped in laughter, music and the hopeful glow of a story about rediscovering one’s inner light.
At the heart of the day was Fran, an endearing firefly who delights in dancing through the rain, her light glowing brightly from her tiny tummy. When the rain stops and her glow mysteriously disappears, she is left confused and afraid. Determined to reclaim what she believes she has lost, Fran embarks on a journey, confronting doubt and disappointment 
before ultimately discovering that her light was within her all along. The book, part of Connor’s “Lost and Found” collection, explores themes of resilience, perseverance and self-belief in language accessible to young minds yet profound enough to resonate with adults.
Chairperson of the book launch, Ms. Rosanna Browne, in her welcome, set the tone. “Today is a celebration of imagination, literacy, and Anguillian storytelling,” she declared. In a world “filled with screens and noise”, she said, gathering around a book remains both timeless and transformative. She acknowledged major sponsor the Anguilla Social Security Board (ASSB), commending its commitment not only to social protection but to literacy, youth empowerment and community engagement. Additional sponsors included the Anguilla Tourist Board and the Anguilla National Trust, whose visiting “bug experts” later led children on an educational nature hike through the grounds, fittingly exploring the real-life world of fireflies and insects.
Throughout the day, children and parents enjoyed games, each costing one US dollar per turn, with all proceeds directed to supporting Anguilla’s primary schools. Tr. Krystal Webster described it as “a celebration of literacy and community spirit”, noting that sponsored children received copies of the book, workbooks, bookmarks and entry into a raffle featuring tablets, microscopes, terrarium kits and other STEM prizes.
P.S. Education Dr. Richardson-Lake underscored the national significance of the moment. “Education gives our children the knowledge, skills, confidence, and values they need to grow, contribute, and succeed,” she said. Announcing that the book will be used in all primary schools, she called reading “one of the most important foundations for learning”, emphasising vocabulary development, comprehension and imagination as cornerstones of academic success. The fundraiser, she added, was a reminder that education “is not the work of schools alone”, but of the entire community.
Chief Education Officer, Mr. Bren Romney delivered a stirring address, describing Connor’s achievement as “heroic”. “You are choosing to speak to the youngest minds at the very stage when curiosity is forming,” he said, acknowledging the educational legacy of her mother, former Chief Education Officer Mrs. Rhonda Connor. He pledged that the Department of Education would procure copies of the book, stressing the importance of culturally resonant material. “When children see themselves in stories… they understand that reading is not only something that happens somewhere else,” he said. In an era of digital distraction, he reminded parents and students alike that “Reading is your superpower.”
Representing the Department of Youth and Culture, Ms. Toniquewah Ruan praised the publication as “a significant step forward for our creative community”, while Acting Director of the ASSB, Dr. Maglan Lewis-Webster reflected on the Board’s longstanding commitment to youth development, referencing the enactment of the Social Security law on 3 November 1980 under the late Hon James Ronald Webster. The launch, she said, followed the island-wide parade honouring his heavenly centennial birthday, was a reminder of the enduring investment in Anguilla’s future generations.
Ms. Susan Hodge of the Anguilla Writers’ Association (AWA) highlighted the growing literary momentum on the island. She praised Connor for producing not only a story but also a workbook, creating “a complete hands-on tool for families, schools and young readers”.
Connor herself delivered deeply personal and emotional remarks. “Fran the Firefly was born from my love of storytelling, from my love of children, and from a deep desire to remind every child that even when life feels dark, their light still exists within them,” she said. Drawing parallels between science and life, she observed, “Light depends on darkness to be seen.” She thanked her parents, Rhonda and Esterlin Connor, her children Somaiya and Ashe Banks, her editors and organising committee, and the many volunteers who brought the event to fruition. “Fran may have lost her light, but standing here today, surrounded by all of you, I’m reminded that when a community comes together, the glow is undeniable.”
The programme was interwoven with performances from students across the island, including “Reading is a Magic Key” by Morris Vanterpool Primary School, “Try Everything” performed by Nikolai Romney of Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School, environmental poems from Adrian T. Hazel Primary School and Orealia Kelly Primary School, and musical selections “Breezin’” and “Isn’t She Lovely” performed by Somaiya and Ashe Banks.
As the formal session closed, Ms. Browne reflected on the morning’s energy. “Books shape how children see themselves. They tell them you matter, you belong, you have light,” she said. In that spirit, Fran The Firefly Has Lost Her Light reignited a conversation about reading, resilience and the importance of telling our own stories in our own voices for generations to come.
By Janissa Fleming
