New Jersey-based Dominican author Giftus John of the village of St. Joseph has launched his latest book entitled “Ma William and Her Circle of Friends.”
The 224-page book is the story of a Caribbean village and its people as portrayed by a shopkeeper, Ma William and her “trusted” friends. It highlights the political, social, religious, educational and economic challenges that people in local communities are faced with on a daily basis.
The function was held at Matthews’s Hall in St. Joseph on Tuesday, October 25, 2011. Among those present at the launching was Parliamentary Representative for the St. Joseph Constituency, Honourable Kelvar Darroux. Mr. Darroux thanked Mr. John for choosing to launch his book in St. Joseph. He exhorted the people of St. Joseph to support the author whom he recognized as being someone who has always been a positive influence in the literary development of Dominica.
Also addressing the audience was Mr. Harry Sealy, President of the Dominica Writers’ Guild. Mr. Sealy also thanked Mr. John for his continued efforts in the literary development of Dominica and his commitment to the arts.
In his address to the audience the author thanked all present for their support and for braving the inclement weather to be at the function. He said that he felt honoured to be able to launch the book in this home village and also in the building where he began his primary school education. He said he was thankful that he was able to produce a book that many of the people in the community could identify with.
Mr. John also paid tribute to two of his former teachers at the then Sixth Form College, Dr. Alwin Bully and Mrs. Dorothy Leevy and also the many other people who have been supportive of his literary development over the years. He then presented complimentary copies to the schools in St. Joseph and to other institutions and individuals present at the function.
Students of the St. Joseph Primary School provided cultural entertainment at the launching.
Well done Frere, keep on moving on.
Ma William and her circle of friends certainly provide a running commentary on life in a typical Dominican village. Mr. John has captured what happens in Dominican life – the village shop where people exchange daily stories, superstitious beliefs, the influence of religion, the politics of studying in Cuba, Village Councils, travel to Canada to work in the farm program – these are all pieces of Dominican life that many of us remember.
Have things changed that much from 30 years ago? Does the farm program still exist? Are there new study abroad programs? It would be interesting to note how much has changed since the era in which the book was set.
Best wishes to Mr. John. Congratulations.
Great book, Giftus. I knew that our days at “Sifocol” would bring you such rewards. Just keep them coming and you know how to find me in Delaware.
Congratulation Mr. John as a former student of yours at SMA it is refreshing to see you continuing to do big things. I too still have a copy of The Dawn. Look forward to purchasing a copy of your recent book. Where will it be available?
congrats mr john
Mr John was mr former teacher and i am thankful for being taught by this great man. He contribution to the community of St Joseph will not be forgotten. we all should applaud his endeavour. We have always been blessed with persons of good deeds like sir John.
however i am taken aback that i do not see much comments on the matter. i am left to believe that we give more credence to Politics and gossips than educational stuff.
Thank you and congratulations on the launching of yet another book. As my English teacher at SMA, you were an inspiration and actually played a great part in making me whom I am today. I still have a copy of the first book, “The Dawn” that you wrote. Back then I was in First Form (Room 102). Keep up the good work and may god continue to bless you.
Thank you for writing our stories. Keep the books coming. DA needs more of this.
“A mind is a terrible think to waste.”
Keep up the good work, Mr John.
This guy is a national treasure! A shining example to our youth today. We now live in a world where unfortunately, too many of our youth have difficulty putting a proper sentence together! My hope is that, not only Dominican, but Caribbean schools in particular will add his books to their school curriculum. Hopefully, this will help spawn future writers for generations to come!
Congratulations on his endeavors but I read this book and have yet to see It highlighting “the political, social, religious, educational and economic challenges that people in local communities are faced with on a daily basis”. Was a waste on my end. Maybe it will be helpful for others. Sorry, but being honest.
Well done Mr John.
Keep up the good work.
In NY, how can I purchase a copy?
Just take a ript o NJ one saturday or sunday afternoon.
congratualtions to Mr. John. Dominica needs more writers.
good job my brother