Virgin Islands

About the Book

The names Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands indeed do require some clarifications. The former is the original name given to the entire Archipelago by Christopher Columbus at the time of his historic landfall in 1493. However, the qualifying word British, which is added to Virgin Islands, could be viewed as an adaptation mainly to differentiate between the British Virgin Islands and United States Virgin Islands. In official and constitutional references, the term Virgin Islands is utilized exclusively. However, in other contexts, the terms British Virgin Islands and Virgin Islands are used interchangeably. The explanation of these differences should suffice at this stage. For further and more detailed information, each name should be reviewed under its particular alphabetical placement. The text is arranged generally in direct alphabetical order. The various alphabetical entries deal with a variety of information, except two categories, which are integral parts of the Culture and Heritage of the Virgin Islands. These are “August Festival Celebrations” and also “Boatbuilding and Sailing Legacies.” The direct alphabetical arrangement will facilitate the utilization of the text.

About the Author

This Author is a native of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), where he received his early Education and as a student began writing poems in 1956. He began his Teaching Career in 1961 and attended a College in Antigua. During 1969, this Writer published, “ Virgin Verses 1: The Originals.” In 1972, he completed undergraduate studies at the University of New Castle Upon Tyne ( UK). In 1976 he published , “Virgin Verses II : Selected Poems and Lyrics.” This Writer in 1977 completed an M.Ed. Degree in Curriculum Development at Manchester University (UK) and his Thesis made a contribution to knowledge. This Author presented an Anthology to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. This Author worked in the Education System of the Virgin Islands for over forty years, as Principal of the Cane Garden Bay School and Road Town School, Deputy Principal BVI High School and served as.Chief Education Officer, including President of the BVI Teachers Union for eighteen years. He introduced the idea for World Teachers Day, in Geneva during 1982. In 1984, he published, “Virgin Verses III : Sunlit Voices of Our Destiny.” In 1991, this Writer completed a Ph.D. Degree in Curriculum Development at Hull University (UK). He has membership in the ‘Callaloo Poets’ and the ‘International Society of Poets.’ In 2004, the BVI Tourist Board launched his book, “Virgin Islands August Monday and Festivals “ The Writer is now a Consultant. He has witnessed Virgin Verses evolved to be an extensive Creative Cluster which observed its Golden Jubilee during 2006/07.