SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - “At Motorworld, we believe that investing in literacy is an investment in the future of St. Maarten. Stories preserve our heritage, inspire young minds, and strengthen our communities. We are honoured to partner in bringing In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe to life and to support an initiative that encourages children and families to celebrate the rich history and culture of our island.” — Earlynna George, Group General Marketing Manager, Motorworld Group of Companies
With those powerful words, Motorworld joins a remarkable circle of St. Maarten businesses and institutions rallying behind a single, unifying belief: that our stories matter — and that raising a nation’s literacy is one of the greatest investments it can make in its children and its future.
A Community United Behind Its Story
The countdown to Sunday, July 19th is on — and In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe, the 5-star rated, Amazon-bestselling book by St. Maarten veteran educator Oswald Francis, has become far more than a book. It is now a movement, embraced by a community determined to see its heritage celebrated and its children inspired to read.
The book’s impact and influence touch every generation. One 91-year-old reader shared that from the moment she opened it, she could not stop reading until the very end — laughing throughout, as its tales carried her back to the ghost stories and old folk tales she grew up hearing. It is a reminder that these stories belong to all of us, young and old alike.
That movement is powered by a distinguished group of Literary Partners, each of whom believes in elevating the literacy rate of our nation:
Rainforest Adventure St. Maarten has generously opened the doors of the historic Emilio Wilson Museum and will treat guests to complimentary Sky Explorer 360° rides. The generous contributions of WINAIR (Silver Literary Partner) and Motorworld (Bronze Literary Partner) will help place the book in schools, correctional facilities, and libraries on both sides of the island — ensuring that as many people as possible have access to this vital part of our shared Caribbean heritage.
It all began with Victorious Living Publishing successfully securing a generous grant from het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, whose early belief in this project made the book’s publication possible. Ambassador Jeffery Richardson of Interact Livestream, Victorious Living Publishing’s Livestream Partner, will stream the celebration to the world.
Sold Out — But Not for Long!
The overwhelming embrace of In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe has produced a wonderful challenge: the current print run has completely sold out. A new batch is already on order. Readers eager to secure their copies are invited to:
★ Join the waiting list for the incoming batch, or order on Amazon, via the event page: https://www.victoriouslivingfoundation.com/uncle-joe-launch
For those unable to join in person at the venue, you are warmly invited to experience the full celebration live via Victorious Living Publishing’s Livestream Partner, Interact Livestream — accessible from the event page.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Author Oswald Francis, together with publishers Victorious Living Publishing and Walton Publishing House, wish to express their deepest gratitude to the people of St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean for the extraordinary warmth, love, and acceptance with which they have embraced In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe.
“To see our community embrace this book so wholeheartedly is a blessing beyond words. This is our story, our heritage, and our gift to the next generation. Thank you, St. Maarten, for reading with us,” stated author Oswald Francis.
“Our roots run deep, our culture matters, and our future is bright.”
About the Book
In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe is a vibrant collection of stories rooted in Caribbean life — tales of adventure, courage, integrity, and pride in heritage, told through the warm voice of 99-year-old Uncle Joe. Published by Victorious Living Publishing in partnership with Walton Publishing House, with a grant from het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.
