Vincentian writer releases a narrative on her life

A book written by a Vincentian nurse residing in the United Kingdom has been launched here.

“Between Two Worlds” traces Shirla Allen-Philogene’s life from her days growing up on the Windward coast of the Vincentian countryside in the 1950s, through her years of nursing training to being named one of the fifty women who had made outstanding contributions to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom during its 50 years of existence.{{more}}

The book was launched on June 18th at a simple, but impressive ceremony at Frenches House in Kingstown, attended by a wide cross section of Vincentians including Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, members of Philogene’s family, nurses, friends and well wishers.

A review of the book was done by educator Ercelle Thomas, who described the narrative as “largely, but not entirely autobiographical”. In the first part of the book, Philogene speaks of a carefree childhood growing up as part of a large family. She tells her days playing at the bayside near to her home. She describes in graphic detail the games she played with rocks and stones on the beach, her first visit to Kingstown, the difficulty her family had in making her attend school and the eccentric village characters among whom she grew up.

In 1958, young Allen left St. Vincent by boat for the United Kingdom to train as a nurse, as

the options available to her in St. Vincent of being either a teacher or entering the civil service were not appealing. Allen-Philogene tells interesting anecdotes about her nursing training, racism, life in a culture completely different from her own, as well as the unusual career path she took during her eventful nursing career. Her story is not just about her journey from St. Vincent to Britain, but as reviewer Ercelle Thomas put it, the

journey between each of those worlds.

The 152-page book is a wonderfully crafted and enjoyable read and is available at Dr. Edgar Adams bookstore at the Cruise Ship Berth.

The evening, however, was not just a book launch, as the first part of the ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Philogene’s eldest sister, Pauline Allen-Young.

Five speakers, including Young’s youngest brother Oscar Allen and her nephew, Queen’s Counsel Andrew Cummings paid loving tributes to Pauline Allen-Young who was feared, respected and loved by all with whom she came into contact. Oscar spoke of how, as the eldest of seven children, she nurtured and helped to parent her younger siblings. He described Young’s community spirit and strong sense of responsibility. Cummings regaled the audience with tales of his visits as a young boy to his aunt’s house on Saturdays and how appreciative he is now that she insisted then,

that he read widely, even though

at the time he found it to be a

burden.

Another tribute included a poem written by Sylvia Clouden DeFreitas and read by Kathleen Huggins, two

of Young’s students while she was

a teacher at the Girls’ High School.

The poem recalled Young’s strength and caring, and the positive impact she had on the many lives she touched. Clemintina and Raymond Morgan as well as Young’s goddaughter Pauline La Hee-St. John also expressed their appreciation.

As a permanent memorial to the late educator, the Pauline Allen-Young Resource Complex at Frenches House has been dedicated.