UVI to feature literary work of Dominican students in new book

The cover of the soon to be released book

ST. THOMAS – Dominicans are known to a creative people who are not ashamed of displaying their talents wherever they go and for the last couple of months, Dominican students attending University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) St. Thomas campus have been doing just that.  They have had an impressive representation on the Dean’s List for 2009 and 2010 and members have been recently inducted into honor societies.

On Apr 19, they will join others in celebrating their literary and creative talents during the launching of Perspectives: A Collection of UVI Voices, an anthology of poems, short stories, personal essays, in-depth research papers and visuals arts.

The book is published by Buzz Media, a student organization led by Dominican Leslyn Tonge and will feature some of her own work along with that of other Dominicans including  Ezra Williams-Daniel, Derron Ambrose, Cleveson Daniel, Delia Bruno, Tarsia Luke and Leechang DeFraites.

According to Tonge, a sophomore majoring in Communications and English, she along with Dr. Dolace McLean, Esq. an English professor at UVI had been toying with the idea for some time.  However, it was after reading an essay submitted by fellow Dominican, Cleveson Daniel that she was further motivated to put some serious actions behind the talk.

“Cleveson’s essay, ‘An Eighteen Wheeler Ride to Success,’ to me was written from the heart.  After reading it, I felt that there needed to be a way for writings like that to be shared with others,” Tonge said.

After three semesters of planning and weeks of editing, the final product is a 165-page book, which features the work of thirty UVI students on topics ranging from homelessness, religion, racism, and everyday life experiences.

Derron Ambrose, a graduating senior, majoring in psychology submitted a research paper, which provided an in-depth look at the symbolisms in Rastafari.  His essay allows readers to take a deeper look into the Rastafari culture providing for better understanding.  His articles are expected to be used as a tool to motivate other students to expand their creative skills.

Ezra Williams-Daniel, also a graduating senior submitted a speech she delivered in one of her classes entitled, “Happy One Hundred” a witty and inspiring homage to aging as told through the eye of an elderly woman.

When asked how she felt about the publication, Williams-Daniel indicated, “I applaud Leslyn and Dr. McLean for such a brilliant idea. When our students do well, it is essential that we showcase what they have to offer for the world to see.”

Tonge, who is very active in campus life at UVI, is currently the secretary of the Student Government Association.  She is also the President of the Student Technology Fee Committee and a senator in the UVI Senate.

After her term as secretary ends this April, she intends to run for the office of SGA President.

“I enjoy being part of the overall development of my peers and so, I am extremely honored to use my creative skill-set as the vehicle that will motivate others to strive for excellence in whatever they do,” Tonge said.

‘Perspectives’ is just one of the publications published by Buzz Media.  The organization also published a bi-weekly electronic news magazine called, ‘The Buzz’.

‘Perspectives’ will be officially launched in a lunchtime reception at the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library on the UVI St. Thomas Campus.

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9 Comments

  1. FOR FOR IT
    April 16, 2011

    CONGRATS TO ALL! I AM ALWAYS HAPPY WHEN DOMINICANS ACHIEVE! BIG UP TO THE NORTH EAST!

  2. Extra, Extra Proud
    April 14, 2011

    Here we go again….Dominicans making us proud! Congratulations to the publisher and all the contributing writers. You are prime examples of what Dominica has to offer- after a sound education on the nature isle you are sure to make it any where. There are a lot of people who should be smiling right now – the parents, the past teachers, the families and friends – you all had something to do with it (believe it or not). No man is an island!!!

    Congrats Tarsia! You go girl!!

  3. Roger Burnett
    April 14, 2011

    These students are a credit to Dominica. Sometimes we give undeserved accolades to overseas writers, albeit that their subject is Dominica, and fail to give due recognition to our own.

  4. fuke-chillott!!
    April 14, 2011

    MORE AND MORE I LOVE TO READ NEWS LIKE THIS!!!

    HAPPY GO EZRA AND CLEVESON!!! lol… please forward me a BOOK with Autographs! lolz

  5. Patriotic Citizen
    April 14, 2011

    Congratulations to these UVI students and all the students representing Dominica at other colleges around the world!! Best Wishes

  6. my oh my
    April 14, 2011

    go Vern! (Leslyn) proud of you coso . keep doing your thing

  7. Proudest Dominican
    April 14, 2011

    When I read of things like this, I am even happier and more proud to say that I am from Dominica. Congratulations to all the students at UVI who continue to promote Dominica in such positive light. From the tiny villages of Wesley, Belles, Grand Bay and its surroundings have emerged true ambassadors of Dominica. Kudos

  8. Anonymous
    April 14, 2011

    For those who think we going back to the old ways think again dominicans are moving forward there
    are few that let politics get in the way i say to u forget about the red, and blue put your country and
    family first. its real possie here.

  9. UVI class of 2006
    April 14, 2011

    Go leslyn. Keep on representing for Wesley and for Dominica by extension. Hats off to all the other UVI students that have contributed to this worthwhile venture.

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