“THE ST. VINCENT Handbook” by Robert Anderson, a book on the history of this country was originally published in 1907; the fifth edition of the book was published in 1938.

Now, in 2022 a republished edition of the book has been launched at a ceremony held at the Methodist Church Hall on May 5, a release from the Agency for Public Information states.

Speaking at the launch prime minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves noted that, “History is for us to understand ourselves; who we are; what we have been; where we are going; what we are capable of.”

Gonsalves said though the author, Robert Anderson did not leave a perfect history in his book, the account he gave is very noteworthy.

And he was firm that more of Vincentian history needs to be recorded and documented, noting that this is why the government initiated the National History Project which encompasses a comprehensive and accurate history of St Vincent and the Grenadines in two volumes. The books will also be done in a manner which will allow for use in schools.

Historian, Dr Adrian Fraser who is one of four historians on the National History Project praised the partnership between Gaymes Book Centre and co-publishers, Marc Erdrich and Ruth Boerger of Hobo Jungle Press in ensuring the transformation of the book as the older version which he has is

now very old and worn.

Fraser said he uses the book as a point of reference, especially for dates as well as to obtain information that is not easily or readily found elsewhere. He added that the content is very useful.

The republished version has an increase in the font size, a change of font, the use of italicisation and indentation, among other things.

Also present at the book launch was proprietor of Gaymes Book Centre, Dennis Gaymes who was instrumental in the initiation of the republishing.