Logos Hope has arrived

Following an absence of three years, OM Ships International’s floating bookstore, the world’s largest, has returned to the sunny climes of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

The ship, Logos Hope, arrived in Kingstown on Monday, July 27, and, after an official opening ceremony, opened to the public on Tuesday, July 28. Director of Partner Ministries Randy Grebe lead the ceremony, and expressed sincere gratitude to the Ministries of Culture and Education, Central Water and Sewerage Authority, Digicel, Bickles and Karib Cable for enabling their stay in port.

Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste welcomed the Logos Hope back to SVG and described its return as that of “a family friend.” Baptiste expressed a hope that Vincentians will make use of this opportunity so that they can glean useful information from the visitors, and they in turn learn more about the country and its people. “The exchange will enrich both sides of this special venture!”

Baptiste further highlighted the importance of the ship’s arrival as it bodes well with the Government’s Education Revolution. She then wished them a successful stay in SVG and their other ports of call.

The Logos Hope is stocked with approximately half a million books covering a wide range of subjects, which include, science, technology, business, sports, hobbies, cookery and religion. There is also an abundance of children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases and much more – all available at extremely affordable prices.

Ship Captain Dirk Colenbrander explained that the ship is part of a Christian, non-profit organisation, whose main focus is “to bring knowledge, help and hope to the world.” This being his third trip to the island with the floating bookstore, he encouraged Vincentians to visit the ship. “We are here for you, and we hope it can be a blessing for the island!”

In brief remarks, Ship Director Mike Hey asserted that the interactions this ship will provide between locals and the 350-strong visiting crew should increase the knowledge of individuals. He also shared his hope for God’s blessings on the island to improve the quality of people’s lives. “Every single person has value,” he declared.

The ship’s opening hours are as follows: weekdays – 10 am until 9 pm, and Sundays – 2 pm until 9pm. The ship will be open on Saturday, August 1st (public holiday), but will be closed to the public on Monday, August 3rd. The Logos Hope’s final day of operation will be on August 11.

Susan Dougan, Chief Education Officer, and Noll Patterson, representative from Corea’s and Company (the ship’s local agent), also gave brief remarks.

The Logos Hope was preceded by the Logos II, which last visited SVG in June/July 2006. Before that, it visited in November 2004, March 2002, August 1998, and July 1994. The first Logos ship came to SVG in November 1984.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the first Caribbean port of call in the Logos Hope’s itinerary, after which it will travel to Grenada, Trinidad, St. Lucia, Barbados and Guyana.(JSV)