Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the commercial hub of the southern Grenadines. Less than three miles from the Tobago Cays and Mayreau, Union’s Clifton Harbour bustles with activity most months of the year because it serves the commercial needs of the smaller surrounding islands. It is here that the charter boats are serviced, the bread baked, ice made, fruits and vegetables (from St. Vincent) sold and building materials received. At dawn every day, rain or shine, local “boat boys” from Clifton carry supplies to boats anchored in the Tobago Cays. They also carry fresh fish and supplies to and from Union Island to the nearby island resorts. These “boat boys” are an example of the work of many locals who are the backbone of the service industry in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. And while many of these locals can run an outboard motor, catch and clean lobster and utilize their muscle to build and repair, many have yet to learn how to read.
That is all about to change. The residents of Union Island, some of whom have moved there recently from North America, are altering the destiny of the Grenadines by investing in the literacy of its young people.
Senator Snagg talks about the library’s development. “ The library was a
conversion of an old teacher residence belonging to the Ministry of Education. It
was refurbished by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing. Following
discussions with the Taiwanese Charge D’Affairs, Mr. Roger Lou, a grant was made
of five thousand U.S. dollars which was used to purchase some books. Mr. Victor
Alexander and Mrs. Delta Alexander (no relation) of the U.S. made contributions
of one barrel, and two barrels of books respectively. A contribution of six jumbo
barrels was contributed by the Caribbean Association of Professional Scholars.
Individual contributions by Ms. McIntosh and Father Andrew Roache were also
received. Ms. Abigail Allert is the Librarian and is ably supported by Ms. Olivia
Bentick, the Community Development Officer. Assistance also came from many
other concerned citizens in the cleaning of the grounds and preparation of the
building.” Despite these early contributions, Senator Snagg advises Boaters for
Books that there is still a great need for children’s volumes. (Picture on right: Heather Grant and Senator Snagg)
Librarian Abigail Allert reports, “It was one of the best ideas that came to reality for this island’s society. The citizens here are starting to put reading into their daily lives. I knew that this would improve our lives for the better.” According to Allert, “ In addition to children’s books, there is a great need for reference books, an encyclopedia, sociology and science books and novels for young women in particular.”
Heather Grant, owner of Erika’s Marine Services on Union Island is the project coordinator. She and husband Ian came to Union Island from their home in Canada and established a communications business catering to visiting yachtsmen. They were soon providing computer skills to the Unionists. Heather has been instrumental in promoting computer and reading skills among the young on Union Island. Now she is coordinating Boaters for Books in SVG with Senator Edwin Snagg.
Boaters in the region can drop off books at Heather’s business, Erika’s Marine Services in the Bougainvilla Complex on Clifton Harbour. Heather and her able employees will distribute the books to the Union island Community Library.
You can help the children of St. Vincent & The Grenadines to learn to read! Send your check or donation of new or used children’s books or reference books to Boaters for Books.
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