ENGAGE IN LITERATURE WELCOMES AUTHORS CANTAVE, LAKE AND ROM.
Local authors Ralph Cantave, Joseph H. Lake Jr and UK author Jacky Rom, will be guest authors at the Engage in Literature First Annual Read-a-ton Fundraiser. No stranger to St. Martin’s literary world, author and political scientist Joseph H. Lake Jr. has been known for his work as a journalist, newspaper editor, and publisher for over three decades. In 1976, Lake founded the Windward Islands Newsday and in the early 1990s the tourism magazine Welkom/Bienvenue. “His literary contributions to the country are profound and we are elated to have him be part of this event.” stated Engage Foundation. Lake’s works include The Republic of St. Martin, Friendly Anger–The Rise of the Labor Movement in St. Martin, and Six 4 Nine–Country Sint Maarten/Collectivité Saint-Martin. His most recent, the 2017 title Pen on Paper, is a collection of commentaries, news articles, and editorials penned by Lake or attributed to him between 1970 and 2001.
Joining Lake is Jacky Rom, UK Author, Drama Teacher, Producer and Playwright. At the age of 17, she wrote her first play and has written and directed many others over the years. In 2008, she wrote her first book titled The Missing Extra. This vision turned into a series of five books about The Adventures of Starr, an 11-year-old detective, many of which were written while on St. Martin. Other publications include Momo’s Adventures Series and the fictional adult crime novels The Sandra Bernstein Chronicles; From Makeup to Murder and From Villany to Vegas.
Completing the trio of guest writers, is Ralph Cantave, a student at the University of St. Martin, radio host, and youth ambassador. He is the author of Words of Change Voices from Soualigan Soil and 21 & Savage. Most of his writings reflect politics, history, culture and social issues. He has done several lectures and speeches at various schools and organizations and represented St. Maarten in various capacities abroad. In 2015 he received the President of Parliament Award for his volunteerism and contributions to the island’s social development.
All authors will be available for book signings at the read-a-thon benefiting the Philipsburg Jubilee Library on Saturday December 9th at the Coffee Lounge on Front Street. To register for the read-a-thon or for more information Engage can be contacted via e-mail at engagesxm@gmail.com or call +1 721-554-5294.