BVI Book Highlight: Arona's First Garden by Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes

Do you remember the first time that you did something that you love? We consider Mrs. Arona Fahie-Forbes as the BVI's most qualified and experienced agriculturalist. She has been passionate about agriculture from a young age and wanted to share this inspiring story with children by writing "Arona's First Garden."

This author has also written "Matters of the Heart" and has co-authored "Medicinal Plants with a BVI Cultural Twist" with Mrs. Virginia Hodge. "Arona's First Garden" caters to children aged three (3) to seven (7). In nine (9) chapters, she describes her journey of inspiration to start the garden to her first sale of produce at the market. The creative artwork of Dwayne Mactavious has enlivened this story.



The author has given us a glimpse into her early life and how her parents endorsed and encouraged her potential in agriculture. The BVI was traditionally a farming territory that produced food for local and regional consumption in the US Virgin Islands. Mrs. Fahie-Forbes has chronicled how she started by selecting a spot to garden, getting her parent's permission, and getting training from an Agri Easter and Summer Camp.

In Chapter 7, the author shares the first moment when she saw fruit budding. The story reads, "Look! Look! Okras are bearing on the plants!" I am currently planting okras and have a full appreciation of how exciting it is to see them bear from the seedling stage to harvest size. In the latter part of the book, the author shares how she reaped her produce and sold them at the market. As you read, you feel the excitement as she details how much money she made at the market.

Mrs. Fahie-Forbes shared that the book can be used as a medium to transfer and sustain the agricultural culture for future generations. She encourages parents to get one for their children in the age range. I encourage you to get a copy for the children in your home. The only way that we can appreciate our culture and the importance of agriculture is if we put our hands to practice by starting a garden.

Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book by Gabriel Skelton-Bardo

Do you want to learn more about the British Virgin Islands (BVI)? If you love history and enjoy coloring, then you need to get a copy of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book," which was written by Mrs. Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo. Mr. David Thrasher created the illustrations, and each page vividly highlights the rich history of this small Caribbean territory. This coloring book, which displays historical data and areas in Central Tortola is labeled 'Book One' which hints that the author has plans to create similar works.

The Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book brings the rich BVI history and culture alive by showcasing the national symbols, and notable buildings and sites. Did you know how Road Town, the capital city of the British Virgin Islands, got its name? One may think the name was selected because there was a system of roads for land transport in the area. However, that answer is not correct. You will have to get your copy to find the answer!

This book not only stands out because it is a colouring book created for the BVI by a British Virgin Islander. It is unique because the information shared reflects the time and effort it took to create this masterpiece. In addition to the historical details, another highlight is the official mascot, Zoe, the Turtle Dove. The turtle dove is the territorial bird, and the word, Tortola, translates to 'Land of the Turtle Dove.'

I asked the author for permission to share this page from the book about Sir Olva Georges, who was the first and only male British Virgin Islander to be knighted. She shared that the Sir Olva Georges Plaza "... has special meaning to me as this was where we were sold as slaves, and this is where politics was reborn in the '50s. It is a perfect tribute as we are celebrating 70 years of self-governance."

The author also shared that she would like to encourage anyone who has a dream to follow it and to embrace their passions, whether it be arts, science, writing, drama, etc. She urged us to always stay true to ourselves and be humble in all things that we do. Mrs. Skelton-Bardo also stated, "I hope everyone has a fun time learning about our history because I had a fun time learning about and putting this project together."

The Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book is ideal for children because they have a beautiful reference guide they can use for their social studies and history lessons. Adults will also enjoy this book, especially if they are older because they can reminisce about their younger days and how the BVI has progressed.

For more information or to get copies of the book, please visit the Colour ME BVI History page on Facebook.