This weekend marks the launch of an anthology of poems by 18 people who experienced Montserrat’s Soufrière Hills volcanic eruption firsthand.
Edited by educator Dr Gertrude Shotte, ‘From Babes to Protégés and Beyond‘ reflects the personal journeys of the contributors and offers a poignant exploration of resilience and transformation.
It is the follow up to ‘Out of the Mouths of Babes’, a book of poems written by children from Kinsale Primary School in Montserrat that was published in 1996.
Many of the same writers have contributed to the new book, which is being published 28 years later.
Shotte told Montserrat Focus that Dr Saphia Fleury from the University of Hull in England used the first book as a resource in her 2023 research work.
“The poems were used as context, as part of the literature that was reviewed and the analysis for the research,” she said.
“I was very impressed with the research report. Reading it reawakened and renewed my sense of Kinsale Primary School pride.”
She said it was this that motivated her to compile the second book.
Dr Shotte, originally from Montserrat and now living in the UK, is an educator with experience spanning from primary to tertiary levels.
Through the book she aims to not only to educate but also address critical societal issues through the collaborative narratives.
A description of the anthology on Amazon says: “This follow-up masterwork is much more than a poetry book that topics personal experiences about the onset of the Soufriere Hills volcanic eruption.
“It carries an overload of packaged psychological ravages that span 27 years, including the recurrent after-effects of the volcanic crisis.
“This book also bears a cemented framework of positivity, which has impelled, and assisted the neo-poets to paint realistic images with an interesting poetic flair.”
It adds that the book is a symbol of hope and encouragement for all relocated migrant communities.
The Montserrat Government UK Office said the book recounts an “extraordinary story of resilience and creativity” and is testament to the enduring strength of the Montserratian community.
The launch event, hosted by Keima Allen, will take place at 6pm on 30 November at Evering Pentecostal Church, 1 Shuffield Road, South Tottenham, London N15 5JX.
Those interested in buying the book can find it on Amazon here.
