‘The Irma Diaries’, a book produced by local author, Ms. Angela Burnett, will officially be launched at the British Virgin Islands International Arbitration Centre, on Tuesday, December 19 at 5:00 p.m.

The book takes readers straight into the heart of the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in Atlantic history through intimate and compelling survivor stories from the Virgin Islands.

Ms. Burnett said ‘The Irma Diaries’ was written to capture this historic event from our own perspective and to stir global attention and action on climate change.

She said, “The book is an avenue for the voices of small islanders who lived through this horrific event to be heard globally. I hope that through these stories, readers around the world can connect more personally with what it means to be on the frontlines of climate change and resolve to act.”

Additionally, Ms. Burnett said ‘The Irma Diaries’ will serve as a means to help the Virgin Islands adapt to continuing climate change impacts and to help rebuild the lives of those affected by Hurricane Irma.

As such, the author is donating 25% of book proceeds to the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund and another 25% to the contributors of stories in perpetuity.

Director of the Department of Culture, Mrs. Luce Hodge-Smith said, “’The Irma Diaries’ is timely and plays a pivotal role in not only documenting the importance of identifying and recognising climate change and its effect on the world, but it is also important for us to consider the impact of natural disasters on cultural heritage.”

Mrs. Hodge-Smith added, “The department wishes to congratulate and encourage Ms. Burnett to keep writing and being a voice for climate change. Additionally, we want to encourage persons to keep writing and documenting. Hurricane Irma has secured a place in our Virgin Islands history and has impacted our culture significantly.”

The official book launch ceremony will feature a reading of a survivor story by the author and a presentation to the Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Board.

Persons are encouraged to attend and support the book’s launch at the Arbitration Centre on the 3^rd Floor of Ritter House.  The Department of Culture continues to support local authors and develop the Virgin Islands’ cultural heritage and traditions.

For more information, persons should contact the Department of Culture at 468-4379 or visit the website www.theirmadiaries.com.