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Donald E.L. de Castro publishes book of VI of yesteryear

- book is titled: ‘Things I Remember & More: Looking back at the past’
‘Things I Remember and More: Looking back at the past’ by Donald E.L. de Castro is the latest book available that provides valuable information on Virgin Islands history and culture. Photo: VINO
Anyone wishing to get a glimpse into the Virgin Islands past, between 1940s and 1960s at least, have an important resource to turn to, thanks to the work of Virgin Islander Mr Donald E.L. de Castro. Photo: VINO
Anyone wishing to get a glimpse into the Virgin Islands past, between 1940s and 1960s at least, have an important resource to turn to, thanks to the work of Virgin Islander Mr Donald E.L. de Castro. Photo: VINO
Adding flavor to the book are photographs, some coloured, of people, events, places and buildings across the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
Adding flavor to the book are photographs, some coloured, of people, events, places and buildings across the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Anyone wishing to get a glimpse into the Virgin Islands past, between the 1940s and 1960s at least, has an important resource to turn to, thanks to the work of Virgin Islander Mr Donald E.L. de Castro.

‘Things I Remember and More: Looking back at the past’ is the latest book available that provides valuable information on Virgin Islands history and culture.

“What I am attempting to do in this publication is to record as many of my experiences and recollections, and additional information provided by family, friends and acquaintances on how things were in the Virgin Islands,” Mr de Castro wrote in the book’s preface, adding that he also recorded some of his recollections of the US Virgin Islands where he lived and worked for many years.

Adding flavor to the book are photographs, some coloured, of people, events, places and buildings across the Virgin Islands.

Some of the people highlighted included boat builders, boat captains, fishermen and little known legislators.

In one of the book’s chapters, titled ‘Some interesting stories and events, Mr de Castro writes about some of the stories that brought a good laugh or challenged the status quo. One of the stories speaks about an incident that occurred on a boat between a Mr Godfrey R. de Castro and a Caucasian Commissioner.

It is said that Commissioner Barnes always sat at the stern of the Government-owned launch, Lady Kate, whenever he travelled between Tortola and St Thomas.

On a particular day, the Commissioner saw Godfrey sitting in his favourite seat on the launch. When Godfrey was asked to sit elsewhere by the captain of the vessel he refused to move. The police were called and Godfrey was arrested. It is said Godfrey sued the Commissioner and won the case. Commissioner Barnes was fined five pounds and shortly afterwards left Tortola.

And there is a laugh about when Hamm met Bacon!

Challenges

Mr de Castro said he started writing the book on Saturday, March 23, 2002, but said in the years that ensued he lost computers and “got busy with other things.”

He admitted that writing the book “was more difficult than I thought it would be, but it was a pleasure.”

Mr de Castro said it concerned him deeply that there were persons who were not interested in sharing their knowledge of the past, “those who reluctantly spoke with me, those who promised that they would get back to me, but never did.”

Also, Mr de Castro said there were many stories he could not print, such as about people that were robbed or cheated out of their land, children that took their parents land and children that mistreated their parents and much more.

“With all that I have heard, I am of the opinion that this territory needs honest men and women with pride, respect, morals and integrity to stop the erosion of our homeland and reverse the direction in which it is presently headed.”

Not surprising either, Mr de Castro went at lengths to clarify that the Virgin Islands is not ‘British Virgin Islands' and that the US Virgin Islands is The Virgin Islands of the United States of America, something he has always been adamant about and has even chided politicians for not referring to the VI by its constitutional name.

All in all, Mr de Castro hopes the book will allow Virgin Islanders, Belongers and those who come to live and work in the territory to understand and respect the history and culture of the Virgin Islands.

He wants Virgin Islanders to be proud of who they are and to continue to foster national pride.

“National pride begins with our identity and our identity is first and foremost our name, which is The Virgin Islands.”

‘Things I Remember and More: Looking back at the past’ is available for sale at Express Fashion at 200 Waterfront Drive, Little Denmark at 141 Main Street, and Island Services at Pasea Estate.

Persons on the eastern end of the island can call 344-3043 to make their purchase.

16 Responses to “Donald E.L. de Castro publishes book of VI of yesteryear”

  • Kingfish (27/09/2019, 09:54) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    I would love to get a copy, can some advise if it is available to purchase on line. Having grown up in the BVI in the 50's and 60's it will be a pleasure to read.
    • Tisha Turnbull (05/08/2023, 10:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      I would like to purchase this book. Mr. Castro and my dad were childhood friends. My dad, Berris Turnbull, passed away January. He wanted a copy of Mr. De Castro's book. For sentimental reasons, I now want it. Can someone please respond to me? My email address is tet1130@aol.com and my telephone number is 646-710-0631. Thanks.
  • wet (27/09/2019, 09:56) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    should be an interesting read
  • ire (27/09/2019, 10:06) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just reading this story makes me want to purchase and read the book.
  • Dulce (27/09/2019, 10:32) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr de Castro, follow up with the stories of thievery and robbery etc. Publish it as fiction . A bunch of short stories using fictional names...pleease. This portion of our history is as valuable as anything. We are not perfect.
    Cant wait to read your book ,sir. Thanks for this valuable contribution.
  • ..... (27/09/2019, 10:35) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wish that it could be purhased on Amazon for thise of us,like myself,who are abroad.
  • lol (27/09/2019, 12:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    "Commissioner Barnes was fined five pounds and shortly afterwards left Tortola."

    How much was that in today's money?
  • OK Then (27/09/2019, 12:51) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    WRITE the true story but with fictional characters. There are many today still stealing what does not belong them. Set of JEZEBEL spirits!!!

    "Also, Mr de Castro said there were many stories he could not print, such as about people that were robbed or cheated out of their land, children that took their parents land and children that mistreated their parents and much more."
  • Wait? (27/09/2019, 15:18) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    No launch with the Department of Culture?
  • gkefkkdakxq (27/09/2019, 16:22) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am going to purchase now
  • guy hill (27/09/2019, 21:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks Don for the memoirs. Good read.
  • Reader (28/09/2019, 10:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    how much is the book please?
  • The Book (18/12/2019, 13:33) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get the book at Khoy's mailing service. If you are in the VI Islands check at Island Services, Little Denmark or Xpress Fashion on Waterfront area in de Castro's building.
  • Lily D. (29/07/2020, 15:55) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Serendipity Books on Main Street does quite a good business in local books (I buy them there when I am on the island), but when I asked for yours they said you never brought it to them, so they don't have it. The clerk said that maybe you only wanted to sell your book through BVIslanders and not expats.


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