Eight local authors will be celebrated tomorrow at a Book Tour and Extravaganza on Virgin Gorda.

The event is a collaboration with the Department of Culture and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Virgin Islands Study Programme and seeks to promote the work of authors in the Virgin Islands.

Deputy Director of Culture Ms. Anne Lennard stated that the department encourages the promotion of events such as these, to advance literary arts in the Virgin Islands.

           Ms. Lenard said, “The support of local authors has always been a priority for the Department of Culture.  We are thrilled that Ms. Janice Nibbs has been able to gather the support of her fellow authors to stage such a showcase of eight authors and their literary talent.”

 “Congratulations are extended to the authors who will be featured at this event,” Ms. Lennard said. She added, “We encourage all schools, educators and the public to come out and support this one of a kind event."

Mrs. Janice Nibbs Blyden, one of the main organisers of the book tour, explained that the extravaganza will present the residents of Virgin Gorda with the opportunity to meet and connect with local authors, learn about upcoming projects, and to purchase books.

Ms. Nibbs said, “The presence of other writers therefore makes the entire effort complete. The written word will be highlighted in this celebration."

            The eight participating authors are Arona-Fahie Forbes, Dawn Corea-Lennard, Sesilee Thomas, Janice George-Harris, Janice Nibbs, Shadow Dawson, Adria Flax, and Bernadine Louis. The authors are also expected to read excerpts of their individual books to thoe persons in attendance.

            The book tour and extravaganza is scheduled to take place at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Campus on Virgin Gorda on May 17, at 10:30 a.m. Aspiring writers are invited to attend the session as information including copyrighting will be shared and will be useful to help them to better understand the publication and sales process of their creative work.

The Department of Culture remains committed to developing and preserving Virgin Islands culture in order to generate nation building efforts and social cohesion.