Authors Cantave, Lake and Rom make Engage in Literature more than a Read-a-thon
Philipsburg — Local authors Ralph Cantave, Joseph H. Lake Jr and UK author Jacky Rom, will be guest authors at the Engage in Literature First Annual Read-a-ton Fundraiser.
No stranger to St. Martin’s literary world, author and political scientist Joseph H. Lake Jr. has been known for his work as a journalist, newspaper editor, and publisher for over three decades. In 1976, Lake founded the Windward Islands Newsday and in the early 1990s the tourism magazine Welkom/Bienvenue. “His literary contributions to the country are profound and we are elated to have him be part of this event.” stated Engage Foundation. Lake’s works include The Republic of St. Martin, Friendly Anger–The Rise of the Labor Movement in St. Martin, and Six 4 Nine–Country Sint Maarten/Collectivité Saint-Martin. His most recent, the 2017 title Pen on Paper, is a collection of commentaries, news articles, and editorials penned by Lake or attributed to him between 1970 and 2001.
Joining Lake is Jacky Rom, UK Author, Drama Teacher, Producer and Playwright. At the age of 17, she wrote her first play and has written and directed many others over the years. In 2008, she wrote her first book titled The Missing Extra. This vision turned into a series of five books about The Adventures of Starr, an 11-year-old detective, many of which were written while on St. Martin. Other publications include Momo’s Adventures Series and the fictional adult crime novels The Sandra Bernstein Chronicles; From Makeup to Murder and From Villany to Vegas.
Completing the trio of guest writers, is Ralph Cantave, a student at the University of St. Martin, radio host, and youth ambassador. He is the author of Words of Change Voices from Soualigan Soil and 21 & Savage. Most of his writings reflect politics, history, culture and social issues. He has done several lectures and speeches at various schools and organizations and represented St. Maarten in various capacities abroad. In 2015 he received the President of Parliament Award for his volunteerism and contributions to the island’s social development.
All authors will be available for book signings at the Read-a-thon benefiting the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Saturday December 9th at the Coffee Lounge on Front Street. To register for the read-a-thon or for more information Engage can be contacted via e-mail at engagesxm@gmail.com or call +1 721-554-5294.
About Engage Foundation
Philipsburg, St.Maarten, October 29, 2017 – The non-profit foundation, ENGAGE was launched last week by President, Claudine Williams-Wescot, Secretary Ludmila York-Duncan and Treasurer Dwight Williams. The foundation is dedicated to development through knowledge, health and spiritual growth via projects and initiatives that will also positivity impact the community. ENGAGE is also about building and opening network avenues for young professionals.
ENGAGE was born from like minds. While exchanging ideas, the members saw a great need for more intellectual and personal development in various areas and herein saw different ways to contribute and impact the country. By challenging the mind, body and soul, ENGAGE hopes to build strong citizens, families, and communities. And further, allow young professionals to take their role as leaders within the community.
Albeit newly established, the foundation has already teamed up with Sint Maarten Nature Foundation in its restoration efforts of the island’s natural areas, aiding them in attaining much needed funding for purchasing of materials needed to address the most urgent environmental issues caused by the storm, such as the cleaning of the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
” We see this as an importance element in rebuilding the country. As an island we are in constant interaction with our environment. It dictates our quality of life, our economic survivability and the well-being of our people and country”, said President, Claudine Williams-Wescot.
“We plan on collaborating with other foundations and clubs on the island and have many projects in the pipelines as well, such as our FitPlay project, an outdoor gym and playground space; personal development seminars and in December we will be hosting our first annual Engage in Literature Read-a-thon Fundraiser in benefit of the Philipsburg Jubilee Library.” Williams-Wescot further stated.
ENGAGE Foundation can be contacted via email at engagesxm@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram at engagesxm.
Photo: (left to right) Secretary Ludmila York-Duncan, Treasurer Dwight Williams, President, Claudine Williams-Wescot and Notary Marlène Mingo.
