SIMPSON BAY:--- On Friday evening, the Beyond Kultura Foundation launched its latest children’s book “Chella and the Weird Woman” by Loekie Morales at OBA OBA Restaurant and lounge in Simpson Bay. The book was baptized by the author in the presence of its “godparents” Francis Carty and Claudette Forsythe-Labega.
The bilingual book (Dutch and English translation on each page, is well written and utilized imagery and a fast-paced storyline to capture the imagination of readers. Many collaborators gave their experience in the production of this book, and the author Loekie and some children from the after-school program depicted a riveting scene from the book. The message of the story brings awareness to children about ways to keep safe, which is very important in today’s society.
In her remarks, Minister of Education Silveria Jacobs stressed the importance of reading and building vocabulary which aids in speaking and writing not just for children but for all. Reading also opens up the imagination and encourages creativity. Minister Jacobs further encouraged adults in attendance to read often and continue to learn at every opportunity. The fact that the author translated the book into English also gives readers opportunity to utilize and broaden vocabulary in both languages.
Minister Jacobs also commends the Beyond Kultura Foundation on the launch of another St. Maarten book and for making the book accessible to children in our schools with the donation they will make to each school in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the Minister of Education encourages the general public to purchase the book and make it a special gift for children this Christmas.
DCOMM Press Release
Successful Book launch Thriller Chella and the Weird Woman.
SIMPSON BAY:--- Last Friday, the latest spiritual child of author Loekie Morales, ‘Chella and the Weird Woman/Chella en het vreemde vrouwtje’, was baptized at OBA OBA, Simson Bay, in the presence of the many visitors, the illustrator Penka Petkova, Morales herself and of course the Padrino, Mr. Francis Carty and Madrina, Mrs. Claudette Labega.
Loekie Morales stated: ‘The event was well visited. We got much more people than we have expected and that is a good sign. A Madrina and a Padrino are like the Godfather and Godmother of the book, and often we select for these functions two highly respected persons within our community, who have shown interest with actions in literature (reading & writing), culture and youth, but moreover who have their hearts at the right place when it comes to our society and especially our youth.
The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and sport, Silveria Jacobs attended the event and has spoken about the importance of reading, starting from a very early age.
The baptizing of the book ‘Chella and the Weird Woman/Chella en het vreemde vrouwtje’, is a ceremony that marks that the book is now available for the general public to read. During the Launch, a Chella act was played by Yvania Richardson (as Chella) and Loekie Morales (as the Weird Woman) and Dawryles Carty - Ozuna, Jaldon Giterson and Li'Anne Peterson have sung nicely the ‘Chella Song’, a Tumba composed by Loekie Morales and arranger Dennis van Putten. Two persons have won a door prize and have gotten a Chella book as a present.
The coming two weeks, starting from Monday 11th December, Beyond Kultura Events representatives and in some cases some sponsors, will be visiting schools to hand over a box of 27 books per school, as part of BKE’s reading and storytelling program.
Thousands of children of Sint Maarten and Curacao will read this book that is to be used as comprehensive reading material, thanks to the donation not only the Windward Island Bank, Henderson Insurance Risk-Management Investment Consultants, the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund and the Representative of Holland in Philipsburg, but also the Central Bank. The proofreaders Elsje Bosch and Mariette Schrijver have given their cooperation free of charge and the translator Rietje Sint and HD Ontwerp and the illustrator have given their cooperation for a ‘friends price’, with the best interest of the youth of Sint Maarten in mind. OBA OBA owner has facilitated with the usage of their cozy room and allowed to transform it into a scary house.
Morales: ‘I got already enthusiastic reactions from the schools, that they cannot wait to have us visiting them and mentioned that the books are such a great welcome in a time that Sint Maarten is recovering from the devastating hurricane Irma. We of Beyond Kultura Events Foundation are always happy to see all those happy faces in the schools.
Beyond Kultura Events Foundation Press Release
