Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines regards her as, ‘One of the Caribbean’s emerging authors of the creative imagination genre.’ Soft spoken and highly spiritual Doris Charles a.k.a Sister Charles to her church, has come a long way to achieving one of her several dreams, to be a published author.
Host Doris D. Charles. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
In spite of the biting cold and wet February evening, many friends, colleagues and well wishers made a beeline to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines High Commission. Why would people, Black people at that, journey on a Saturday evening dressed to impress to anything other than a party or some form of entertainment. Well the simple answer is, to share an historic moment with someone whom has devoted her life to service to family, friends, associates and the community at large.
Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Witnessing the formal book launch of Doris D. Charles’ new novel, ‘The Day I Found Him’ was to many an event not to be missed. Bad weather was certainly not going to thwart the resolve of Doris’ ‘standard bearers’ from sharing in the release of a book that in many ways is characterized by love and devotion, values she practices with all she encounters.
Master of Ceremonies Mrs Sharon Davis-Small. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
The event was effectively moderated by the effervescent Sharon Davis-Small who personified the brilliance and elegance of both the book and the occasion; bringing her brand of well timed humour charged with a hint of Caribbean cultural expression, to a receptive audience.
Joan Sadler OBE. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Standing proudly beside Doris on this significant day was one of her sons, Chevanev Charles, of whom she is immensely proud. Chevanev took charge of the IT and presentation functions while also providing a moving poem on the privilege of being born in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in spite of the challenges that characterize this post emancipation society.
Doris with son Chevanev. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Consistent with Doris’ strong faith, the event was formally opened with a prayer delivered by Pastor Steve Thomas.
Complementing the event were renditions of song performed by Louanne Sampson and Joan Sadler OBE. Good friend and former St Kitts UK representative, Wanda Connor provided an insight into the thought process Doris had undergone while considering publishing her collection of personal experiences interspersed with some embellishments.
Doris with SVG High Commission colleague reciting National Anthem. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Doris was introduced to the gathering for the book signing by long-time friend and associate, Clinton Rose, Chair of Caribbean Peoples Foundation (UK). Clinton aka Rashid Rose who hosts a weekly TV talk show outlined the significance of Doris’ accomplishment to the UK Saint Vincent and the Grenadines community and her alma mater The Buccament Primary School, Dubois Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves arrives. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
In attendance representing the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission was Minister Counselor Mrs Althea Vanderpoole Banahene.
The highlight of the evenings proceedings was Honorable Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who happened to be in Europe en route to his homeland following a trip to the Middle East.
MC shares a light moment with PM Dr Gonsalves. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
The PM expressed his gratitude for being invited to deliver special remarks at this auspicious event and congratulated her for courage and dedication to the delivery of her first published work. Dr Gonsalves wasted no time in ‘locating’ Doris among the many accomplished writers of the creative imagination such as Danny Williams, VS Naipaul, George Lamming and Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott.
Doris in discussion with publisher Cindy Soso. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
The Prime Minister recognised a particular theme in the novel, ‘When I found Him’, and it’s that of ‘time’. Even though the novel may not be about time, it connects to time. That ever so precious finite commodity is not to be desecrated but the journey should be observed and understood.
A proud Doris D. Charles . Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Dr Gonsalves observed that it is said that each of us has at least one novel in us as we all have a story to tell. The challenges is to find the voice within us and go for it.
Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves delivering his address. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Following Prime Minister Gonsalves’ remarks Doris sat with the novel’s publisher, Cindy Soso for a conversation on the inspiration, insights and energy behind the novel published by BIS Publications.
Soloist Louanne Sampson performs. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Once the discussion closed all were treated to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines cuisine while networking and catching up with old acquaintances.
Wanda Connor. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
Adrian Jones leading closing prayer with Doris and PM Gonsalves. Photo courtesy David F. Roberts / CaribDirect
For other articles by David F. Roberts, visit www.davidfroberts.co . You can also follow or contact him on Twitter @DavidFRoberts1
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