Veronica Blake Carnegie launches 'Lizzards of Liguanea'

 

Veronica Blake Carnegie's Book launch - Lizzards of Liguanea

Address by Jean Lowrie-Chin

Salutations

I am honoured to celebrate with CCRP member Veronica Blake Carnegie the launch of her entertaining book, “The Lizzards of Liguanea”.

One of CCRP’s three missions is “To work towards ensuring that the vast talent, experience and wisdom of seniors will be respected.”

In the case of the prolific author Veronica Blake Carnegie, her continuous creativity reminds us of the Shakespearean character’s description of Cleopatra:

“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale / Her infinite variety”

Now I would like listeners to pay close attention to this fact:

Veronica Blake Carnegie will be celebrating her 90^th Birthday in this year, 2021, and in addition to the 10 books she has already published, she has four manuscripts readying for publication. Yes, Veronica will be 90 years young this year!

Veronica’s students at Ardenne High School, Jamaica College and Immaculate Conception High School may well remember her passion for History.

You can take the teacher out of the classroom but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher.

In Veronica’s ‘The Lizzards of Liguanea’, a fascinating children’s book that features her three children, we learn that ‘Liguanea’ is derived from the Taino name for iguanas, and several historical nuggets, blended into the amusing adventures of young Donald and his iguana friend ‘Iggy’.

Her two other recent publications are also lighthearted but very informative. ‘Dr Too Too’ is about the brilliant educator David Gruber and his career throughout Jamaica, teaching Jamaica’s children, nurturing empathy and patriotism.

‘Dear Pastor Paul’ is in a question-and-answer format giving considerate advice, drawing on the counsel of young pastors, Kirk and Natasha Campbell of Jabneh Christian Academy in Grange Hill, Westmoreland.

Veronica Carnegie’s zest for writing and sharing life lessons inspires us all to persevere with our God-given talent, regardless of our age.

Ageism is real and ugly. Veronica’s works remind us that we can gain so much from the wisdom of our elders. We must not deprive ourselves of the rich experiences and wealth of knowledge that they have to share.

I am delighted that Veronica has agreed to be a special guest on CCRP Update on RJR on Sunday April 11 - Save the date!

On behalf of CCRP, I extend hearty congratulations to the indefatigable Veronica Blake Carnegie. May you enjoy the creation of many more pages of adventure and teachings, a legacy of joy for your fellow Jamaicans.