Beautiful Virgin Islands

Monday, Mar 23, 2026

HLSCC's Virgin Islands studies institute collaborates with local author to launch illustrated book

HLSCC's Virgin Islands studies institute collaborates with local author to launch illustrated book

Director of the HLSCC’s Virgin Islands Studies Institute, Mrs. Bernadine Louis is collaborating with principal author and past HLSCC student, Gabrielle Skelton Bardo to co-author Book Two – Eastern Tortola of the Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands Series. The book’s cover and some of the content that will be included was recently shared at a book reveal event.
The series which will comprise of six (6) volumes with illustrations, cover each of the main islands and the outlying cays. Book two of the series will be launched later in the year.

Mrs. Louis said, “This project showcases the value of the Institute’s work to the community, as the Institute is a major source of information on Virgin Islands history and culture and can also provide research assistance and guidance for projects of this nature.”

Minister for Education, Culture, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and President of the HLSCC, local author and poet laureate, Dr. Richard Georges both attended the event and gave encouraging remarks.

The six volumed project consists of a team of individuals throughout the community. In an editorial capacity, the team includes local historian, education stalwart and acclaimed author, Dr. Quincy Lettsome and HLSCC lecturer, Mrs. Medita Wheatley.

Vice-Chair of the HLSCC’s Board of Governors and Executive Director of Unite BVI, Dr. L Sauda Smith is also a mentor to the Book series project.

In addition to the book series project, a “Territorial doll” initiative was introduced with a team of young entrepreneurs including Local Designer, Kristin Frazer; Local Illustrators, Dwayne Mactavious and Jehiah Maduro; Zoe Walcott; Local Artist, Joseph Hodge and April Glasgow are also part of the project team.

Book one, authored by Gabrielle Skelton Bardo and illustrated by David Thrasher covers Central Tortola and was published in July of 2020. It highlights the territorial symbols and major historical landmarks in Road Town and the surrounding areas with eye-catching illustrations that can be coloured.

Territorial symbols such as the bird, tree, and dish; as well as landmarks such as Old Administration Building, Sir Olva Georges Plaza, Cottage Hospital/Peebles Hospital (now Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital), Old Her Majesty’s Prison, Sunday Morning Well, and more are included.

The Series will continue to highlight the historical and cultural information of the BVI elementary level curriculum.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
UK Reaffirms Security as Officials Reject Claims of Immediate Iranian Missile Threat
Rising Middle East Tensions Spark ‘Trumpflation’ Debate Over Impact on UK Households
UK Minister Says No Evidence Iran Can Strike Europe Despite Heightened Warnings
British-Iranians Voice Safety Concerns to Authorities as Regional Conflict Intensifies
Confirmed Meningitis Cases Linked to Kent Outbreak Revised Down to Twenty
UK Government Sees No Evidence Iran Can Strike London Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Debate Grows Over Recognition of Indigenous Cultural Icons in the United Kingdom
Iran Missile Launch Toward Diego Garcia Raises Questions After Failed Strike on US–UK Base
Donald Trump Amplifies Viral Satirical Clip Highlighting UK–US Political Dynamics
UK Satirical Show Draws Attention with Sketch Referencing Trump and Prince Andrew
Meghan Markle’s Possible UK Return Sparks Renewed Attention on Sussex Role
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
Northern Lights Expected Over UK Skies Tonight Amid Strong Solar Activity
UK Condemns Iran Missile Strike and Warns Against Threats to British Personnel
UK Warns of Global Flight Disruptions as Iran Conflict Escalates Under Trump’s Leadership
UK Condemns Iran After Missile Strike Targets Strategic Diego Garcia Base
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in UK Reinforces Urgency of Vaccination Campaigns
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
UK Rules Out Cyprus Base Role in Joint US Self-Defence Framework
UK Ends Hereditary Peerage Rights in Parliament in Historic Constitutional Reform
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
UK Plans 50% Steel Tariffs in Bold Move to Protect Domestic Industry
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through UK Economy as Energy Costs and Trade Risks Surge
UK Health Officials Warn Kent Meningitis Outbreak Still Active as Cases Continue to Rise
UK Climate Progress Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance on Carbon Accounting Methods
UK Deploys Advisers to United States to Shape Plan for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Amazon Bets on AI-Driven Alexa Upgrade to Revive UK Smart Speaker Market
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
GB News Faces Regulatory Complaints Over On-Air Remarks on ‘Genocide’ Claims
UK Signals Expanded Support for Gulf Allies as Iranian Attacks Intensify Regional Threats
UK VAT Decision Opens Path for Potential Refunds to U.S. Biopharma Firms
×