SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Sunday, July 19th, 2026, the historic Emilio Wilson Museum came alive as Victorious Living Publishing launched In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe, the debut book by veteran educator Oswald Francis.
Before a full house of family, dignitaries, and community — including the Honourable Bernadette Davis, 2nd Vice President of Saint Martin, and pioneer of advocacy journalism on St. Maarten, Joseph Lake, Jr. — the first print run sold out.
Held in the former home of Emilio Wilson himself, the celebration wove together the heritage the book honours: live Caribbean music, dramatic readings by cultural icons, and a breathtaking 360° Sky Explorer experience. For the author, the day was unforgettable.
“I have attended and participated in many book launches, but this one was the crème de la crème! Thank you, St. Maarten / St. Martin, for your overwhelming support! You have motivated me to continue writing. God is good!”
— Oswald Francis, Author
A Story Readers Can’t Put Down
From the very first day, readers have echoed a single, telling refrain — they simply cannot put it down.
“I just finished reading In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe. I couldn’t put it down. It is amazing, and I enjoyed it. Congratulations to the author, the proud CuraTiguanMaartener, Mr. Oswald Francis!”
— Sylvia Edwards, Reader
With the first run sold out, copies are now available on Amazon worldwide, with a local waiting list for the next St. Maarten batch.
More video and picture highlights of the launch may be found at: victoriouslivingfoundation.com/uncle-joe-launch.
Made Possible by Community
The book was published through a grant from Gold Literary Partner Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied. Once the second print run arrives, the partnerships of WINAIR (Silver) and Motorworld (Bronze) will enable copies to be donated to schools and libraries on both sides of the island, as well as the correctional facility on the Southern side." Interact Livestream, led by Ambassador Jeffery Richardson, carried the celebration to a global audience, and Gold Partner Rainforest Adventure hosted the event at the Emilio Wilson Museum.
“History should be experienced, shared, and passed on. At Rainforest Adventures SXM, we’re honoured to call the Emilio Wilson Estate home, and proud to support projects like this launch — initiatives that inspire children and families to discover the story of a man whose legacy continues to shape St. Maarten.”
— Raul Gonzalez, Country Manager, Rainforest Adventures SXM
Special thanks to the cultural icons who brought the celebration to life — Connis Vanterpool, Papa Umpo, Ralph Cantave, and Dow’s Steel Pan Orchestra — and to publishing partner Walton Publishing House.
Your Story Could Be Next — Write Your Book in 90 Days
For the many inspired by this celebration, Victorious Living Publishing and Walton Publishing House present a live virtual workshop, Write Your Book in 90 Days, helping aspiring authors turn their ideas into a clear, actionable book plan — moving from inspiration to implementation using a proven framework.
Workshop facilitator Dr. Sherrie Walton joins Dr. Nicole E. Francis Cotton on Love & Inspiration with Roy Cotton, Jr. this Sunday, August 2nd, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., on 102.7 FM or www.pjd2radio.com to share more about this opportunity.
Learn more & enrol: victoriouslivingfoundation.com/workshop
“Our roots run deep, our culture matters, and our future is bright.”
A captive audience — every seat filled, every heart present; (l to r) Rev. Patmore C. Henry, Joseph Lake Jr., and his son Shaka Lake.
Connis Vanterpool serenading guests on saxophone as they arrived at the Emilio Wilson Museum.
The Certificate of Distinguished Literary Partnership — Gold — conferred upon Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, presented to their representative Candia Joseph by Dr. Kathleen Francis, VP of Victorious Living and wife of author Oswald Francis.
Dow’s Steelpan Orchestra playing sweet pan.
Storyteller, speaker, and author Ralph Cantave proudly holds his book, with author and educator Oswald Francis.
Storyteller Papa Umpo dramatically sharing one of his favourite stories from In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe.
