Vincentian authors Samantha V. Williams and Kayla Williams share a special bond as mother and daughter, and now they also share the virtual platform as panellists at the Caribbean Literary Conference (CARICON).

CARICON was held from June 4-6, 2021 and featured music and cultural programming from across the Caribbean region and the diaspora. CARICON will brought together the most successful elements of Caribbean Literature and cultural heritage in an event that sets the stage for the start of Caribbean American Heritage Month celebrations in Southern California.

This is not the first time Samantha is representing the country as she was the first and only Vincentian author to participate in the first virtual edition of the Caribbean Literary Festival in 2020. In June 2021, Sam created another historical achievement, this time, alongside her daughter Kayla, being the first Vincentian authors, together as mother and daughter to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at this event. Kayla was the youngest participating author and panellist at this year’s event. Readings of Samantha’s latest children’s book “Nah Me” and Kayla’s book of poetry “The Lost Files: 17 @ 17” were both featured.

Within the last year and a half Samantha has written and self published six successful titles: Women! We All Can Rise: We All Can Shine; I Am Me; I Am Me, Too!; A to Z Positive Affirmations for Boys and Girls; You Can If You Try!; and the most recent “Nah Me”. Samantha’s goal to empower and inspire others through her writing is being realised. These titles are well received locally, regionally and internationally and have all received 5 star reviews on Amazon where they are available. Copies of some of these books can also be purchased locally through the author, at the SVGTCCU, Coreas City Store, Jujube Book Store and Laynes Dept. Store.

As an author, publisher, entrepreneur, mentor and the Co-Founder and Director of two local charity organisations, one could deduce that Samantha is very accomplished. However, it is her welcomVincentian Mother, Daughter Authors represent SVG at regional Literary Festival Paneling smile and her thoughtful, considerate assistance that most marks interaction with her. She is an aspiring life coach who lives by the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “be the change you wish to see in the world.”

This life philosophy has taken root in both of her children who are also credited as contributing authors on two of her publications.

Kayla, a final year student at the SVGCC is an independent, kind and determined youth who is looking forward to embarking on the journey to higher education at the UWI where she will read for a bachelor’s degree in Biology with specializations in Marine Biology.

Both Samantha and Kayla are looking forward to participating at CARICON and representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the best of their ability.