Write and buy more books, residents told

Luce Hodge-Smith

While stating that the British Virgin Islands is seeing a boost in the number of books being published locally, Director of the Department of Culture Luce Hodge-Smith urged belongers to further tap into their creative skills and write more books.

She noted that it is equally important for residents to buy and read the books being published.

“We have certainly seen an increase in books being published from the Virgin Islands and, as a result, we have increased or have improved upon the literary arts of the Virgin Islands. The onus now is on all of us here today to not just buy the books, but to read them, share them as gifts, and encourage our children to also read them. And I pray that this growth will continue for time to come,” said Hodge-Smith who was speaking yesterday (June 20) at the launch of the book Secret Code British Virgin Islands.

The culture director added, “There are lots of more books to be written out there. I encourage persons aspiring to pen their first book to get started. I am no expert, but I believe that’s the first step, and I encourage established authors…to encourage and to help those aspiring authors, and those who have started [already] to continue writing.”

Hodge-Smith, in the meantime, pledged that her department will continue to assist authors in launching their books.

“As a matter of fact, it is included in our work plan every year… We will support the author wherever possible,” she noted.

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