First Lady Cecile de Jongh was pleased to attend a tea party fundraiser held recently at the home of hostess Ilyn Musser of Judith’s Fancy Estates on St. Croix. The “Spot of Tea” event was coordinated in support of the well-known publication, The Caribbean Writer, now in its 25th year of producing the compendium of literary works published annually by the University of the Virgin Islands. The literary journal was founded in 1986.

First Lady Cecile de Jongh recently attended a Tea Party Fundraiser for The Caribbean Writer on St. Croix. Pictured with t he first lady from left to right are Opal Palmer Adisa, Ph.D., Editor, The Caribbean Writer; Ilyn V. Musser, event hostess.

As the keynote speaker, First Lady de Jongh offered remarks that focused on the importance of literacy to one’s future success and noted the “enormous value” of reading and literature in providing entertainment, as well as learning lessons throughout one’s life. “When I was a child, my father recommended that I read the epic novel Gone with the Wind, an experience that solidified my appreciation for reading and learning from books. I am forever grateful to him for encouraging me to embrace the wonders of literature at a young age and for always highlighting its benefits.”

During the tea party, the first lady emphasized the role of reading in family life. “One of the best gifts a parent can give a child is to instill a love of reading and an appreciation for discovering the windows of the imagination through books.” She continued, “Together, each one of us has to help strengthen our community through individual acts that help prepare young children for the future. We all have the power to truly help make a difference for the greater good, in cooperation with school-based learning and family educational programs.”

The first lady also praised The Caribbean Writer for establishing emerging writers throughout the region and for reflecting the culture of the Caribbean by promoting a strong literary tradition, an effort that is held as an example of literary excellence worldwide.

Dr. Opal Palmer Adisa, editor of The Caribbean Writer, read a poem by St. Thomas poet, Tregenza Roach, which was published in the 24th issue. She spoke briefly on the importance of literature in society and outlined the seven major goals of the publication, including the $1,000,000 endowment project recently launched to support these programs. The project goals include: (1) publishing the journal in English, Spanish and French; (2) offering a yearly first-book prize to a resident writer of the region; (3) hosting an annual summer writing series; (4) publishing a Junior Caribbean Writer that caters to the needs of children from elementary through high school; (5) instituting an annual poetry competition for school-age children; (6) bringing prominent Caribbean Writers to give readings on their work and offer workshops; and (7) paying writers and artists who contribute to The Caribbean Writer.

During the event, various teas were served, including: Six Summits Oolong, Dragonwell Imperial Reserve, Bush Tea of lemon grass/basil and Frutto Blanco Pearls Raspberry ice tea, along with tea sandwiches and other foods.

Special guests included Eileen Petersen, the first female judge in the Virgin Islands; Tutti Highfield, member of the UVI Board of Trustees; Jennifer Jackson, former chancellor of UVI, St Croix; as well as Frances Malloy, Anne-Marie Finch and Amanda Cohen, owners of local radio stations. 

All attendees received a complimentary copy of The Caribbean Writer’s National Poetry Month Newsletter, as well as a copy of its 12-month calendar.

The Caribbean Writer features voices that explore diversity and our multi-ethnic culture in poetry, short fiction, personal essays, creative non-fiction, and plays. Social, cultural, economic and sometimes controversial issues are also explored, employing a wide array of literary devices. 

For more information on The Caribbean Writer and its projects, contact (340) 692-4152 or email: info@thecaribbeanwriter.org.