Local releases coffee table book

Local releases coffee table book

By SVG Today Correspondent

"Journey with Erica to St. Vincent and the Grenadines" is the name of a coffee table book recently released by local entrepreneur and photographer Erica McIntosh.

McIntosh introduced persons to her second publication during a party-like launch last Friday at the Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa. McIntosh's book became the third local publication released in March. The other two were done by Dr. Christian Anderson and Dr. Chester Toney.

During a short speech, McIntosh said that most of the coffee table books done for St. Vincent are done by foreigners so it is good that one done by a local person is now on the market. Her first publication was about the flowers at the Botanical Gardens.

McIntosh's book paints a picture of St. Vincent and the Grenadines through the lens of her camera. She said that the book was printed by Ex Libris and holds memories captured by her over a number of years.

McIntosh who has a Masters in Industrial Microbiology and a minor in photography said that the book took about eight months to put together.

"I always wanted to get my photographs in book form and catalogue them," explained McIntosh, who said that her book uses photography in such a way as to show among other things the terrain and the beauty of a number of tourist sites throughout the island.

She is hoping to have the book sold locally at Nightingale Book Store and Gaymes Book Store. The book features among other things, pictures of old houses and modern ones, transportation both local and foreign and the agricultural sector, especially the pepper industry.

Also present at the launch among others, were Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Administrator of the Mustique Charitable Trust Lavinia Gunn and Alexandra Paolino helped McItosh compile the book.

Giving a critique of the book, Gunn said that the publication highlights, "not only Erica's career but her dedication, love and feeling of nationalism and identity for St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gunn said that in the book, McIntosh used her photography skills to highlight the beauty of SVG. She added that the book pays tribute to farmers and staff of McIntosh's business -- Erica's Country Style -- and the important role her family has played in her life.

Gunn also praised McIntosh for taking the initiative of paying with her (McIntosh) own funds to get the book published.

Paolino, who compiled the book, described the launch as a very special occasion. She thanked Erica for giving her, "the honor of compiling the book". Paolino also described the photographs as very good and said that they, "conjure up a lot of memories".

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