“IT MADE ME FEEL LIKE A CHILD AGAIN” — HOW ONE ST. MAARTEN STORY IS TOUCHING HEARTS ACROSS GENERATIONS | Soualiganewsday

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) — For Bernadetta Davis, a 69-year-old reader who was born in Curaçao and raised on St. Martin, In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe did something remarkable: it made her feel like a child again. Legally blind, Mrs. Davis experiences the book through the voices of her daughter and granddaughter, who read its stories aloud to her — turning reading into a treasured act of family, laughter, and love that spans three generations. “When we started reading, my daughter and my granddaughter read the book to me. It was so much fun, so much laughter — it made me feel like a child again just running about in between the fruits and the plants and hearing such a nice story. It brings so much joy. I just love story time.” — Bernadetta Davis, 69, reader It is stories like Mrs. Davis’s that capture the very heart of what author Oswald Francis set out to achieve — and why the book has struck such a deep chord across         St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean. “I am thrilled to hear this amazing and inspiring story! Thank you, Mrs. Davis — you have really made my day! You have motivated me to continue writing. May the good Lord continue to bless you abundantly.” — Oswald Francis, Author A Story That Belongs to All of Us In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe is a vibrant collection of stories rooted in Caribbean life — tales of adventure, courage, and the moments that define who we become. Through the warm voice of 99-year-old Uncle Joe, young readers are drawn into a world where integrity, respect, humility, and pride in heritage are not just values to admire, but a way of life to embrace. The 5-star-rated book, published by Victorious Living Publishing and Walton Publishing House, has been embraced so enthusiastically that initial copies are almost sold out. Readers wishing to secure a copy are encouraged to act quickly, as a waiting list is being prepared for those who miss out before the launch. WINAIR: Carrying Our Stories Forward The initiative has been embraced by WINAIR, which has proudly come on board as an Official Silver Literary Partner. WINAIR’s support is helping to make the book available to schools, libraries, the prison, and community institutions across St. Maarten — ensuring that as many people as possible have access to a vital part of our intangible heritage as Caribbean people: our stories. “At WINAIR, connecting the Caribbean goes beyond transporting passengers. We believe in connecting people with the stories, traditions, and culture that shape our islands. Supporting In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe reflects our commitment to preserving St. Maarten’s heritage and inspiring young readers to embrace their identity with pride.” — Hans van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer, WINAIR “We are honoured to be associated with WINAIR, an airline that is the epitome of excellence, efficiency, resilience and courtesy!” — Oswald Francis, Author A Launch Like No Other The Official Book Launch will be held on Sunday, July 19th, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Emilio Wilson Museum — the former home of Emilio Wilson himself, situated within walking distance of the park that inspired the book. Admission is FREE and open to all; however, seating is limited. Register and view full event details at: https://www.victoriouslivingfoundation.com/uncle-joe-launch.html In a wonderful gesture of community spirit, Rainforest Adventure St. Maarten, one of the event’s proud Literary Partners, will provide complimentary Sky Explorer (360° Views) rides for attendees from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be shared via interactive live stream through literary partner Interact Livestream led by Jeffery Richardson.  About the Author Oswald Francis is a proud CuraTiguanMaartener — Curacaoan by birth, Antiguan by heritage, and St. Maartener by choice. A veteran educator and communicator, he has devoted his life to Caribbean youth and learning. In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe is his love letter to the children of the region. Published By Victorious Living Publishing in partnership with Walton Publishing House, with a grant from het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.