PRESS RELEASE – On November 2, the community of Vieux Fort marked another milestone, in the hosting of the 2nd Annual Cohen & Bruce Williams Literary Award for students, and the celebration of the 100th birthday of Bruce “Daddy Bruce” Williams, at the Kimatrai Hotel.
The award pays tribute to the life and legacy of two of Vieux Fort’s revered sons—Bruce Williams, who represented Vieux Fort South, Vieux Fort North and Laborie in parliament between 1969 and 1982, and Cohen Williams, whose largely quiet philanthropic activities might have rivaled that of his father, had he lived longer.
The Award regime, which also aims to promote interest in the literary arts among students of primary and secondary schools, has among its objectives the development of an appreciation, especially in the younger demographic, of the contributions of those who went before, and to encourage reading and writing as a distraction away from drugs, crime and other deviant behavior.
Last Friday’s event—also marking the 100th birthday of Bruce Williams—saw two students from the Augier Combined School walking off with the top prizes. Jade Albert won the 2018 Cohen & Bruce Williams Literary Award trophy, while her schoolmate, Fibi Williams, was honoured with the second place. A third female student, Deziree Bellas of the Vieux Fort Primary, was adjudged third place.
Apart from the $300 trophy, Jade Albert was awarded a brand new I-Pad, a cash prize of $250, compliments the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF), a copy of Dr. Anderson Reynolds latest novel ‘The Stall Keeper’ and one copy of the Writers Forum’s ‘Opus Spectrum Vol.3’, donated by prolific children’s writer, Ms. Dawn French. Each of the other awardees received a Tablet, compliments Laboratory Services and Consultations Limited—the largest single sponsor of the event—$100 cash, and similar books.
Graced by the presence of the ever charming Governor General Emerita, Dame Pearlette Louisy—who presented the 2018 trophy to the winner—the occasion culminated with the presentation of a $1,000 scholarship cheque to a needy student, Sharkim Blaize of Vieux Fort Primary, as a 100th birthday gift from the Williams family, sponsored by Impact Foundation Inc.
Guest speaker, author/historian, Dr. Jolien Harmsen, posited writing as “an important act of creation and of self-creation”, pointing to its significance to the aims and objectives of the Cohen & Bruce Williams Literary Award. Emphasizing the link between discovery, creation and connection with the world around you, Dr. Harmsen argued, “Artistic creation, self-discovery and self-creation go hand in hand. In the process, you create awareness, and with awareness and consciousness come power: power to shape your life, your family, your community, and your world.”
It was through these connections and awareness that Cohen and Bruce Williams identified closely with their community and responded in a very altruistic manner to the needs of the community in which they grew up.
In a striking comparison, Dr. Harmsen, (who co-authored ‘A History of Saint Lucia’), drew a parallel between the life of Bruce Williams and another great Vieux Fortian, deceased Hamilton Vitalis, famed for the founding of the Goodwill Fishermen’s Cooperative Society.
The formation of a “Cohen & Bruce Williams Foundation” and the documentation of the life and times of Bruce Williams are two likely outcomes of this year’s celebrations. Mr. Augustus Cadette, for the second year running, masterfully presented the biographical sketch of Bruce Williams, while Ms. Jonique Williams spoke of her father’s philanthropic deeds.
The administrators of the Cohen & Bruce Williams Literary Award wish to thank each and everyone who contributed in any way toward the resounding success of the event.