Adams: writing local history

With persons in the medical field in the family, it was no surprise that Edgar Adams got into the field, but the life as an author was in the making since he was a little boy at the Kingstown Methodist School.

The retired Optometrist (eye specialist) has written ten books to date, including his just released historical piece “Saint Vincent in the History of the Carib Nation 1625-1797.”{{more}}

The book relates the plight of the indigenous people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, including their interactions with the French, British and African settlers.

It is his second book to be released at the time of our nation’s independence celebration; the first being ‘National Treasures’, which was launched at independence time in 2004.

As a matter of fact, Adams insists that all his books, including the books of short stories, are based on true events.

For example, his story about rats stealing eggs (“The cost of eggs” in “Digging for gold and other short stories”; 1997) was based on Adams’ personal experience and that of another individual.

Adams’ first publication, “Linking the Golden Anchor with the Silver Chain” in 1996, was a tribute to the early history of seamanship, sailing and navigation – a profession that he almost got into, coming from a Grenadine sailing family background.

His writing career began when he was about 12 years old, when he won a prize for writing on the history of St. Vincent.

The last of seven children, Adams traveled to the United Kingdom, where he gained a degree in Optometry.

He returned to St. Vincent ten years after successfully completing his studies.

Back at home, Dr Adams got involved in the arts, drama and production, national and regional football – on and off the field, while building his professional career.

After 40 years in his field, the father of three retired and tried his hands at a number of business ventures to stay mentally busy. These included restaurants, a hotel and catering business.

But it was not until he rediscovered writing that the good doctor settled down again.

With titles such as ‘Coming home for Christmas’, ‘Nine Mornings’, ‘Mock Hangings’, ‘Sunset Tomorrow’, ‘Historic Kingstown’ and ‘People on the move’, Adams has touched on almost every social and historic aspect of Vincentian living – past and present.

Speaking about Nine Mornings, Dr Adams noted that our celebrations today are a far cry off from the original celebrations, which included a ceremonial bath in the seas, and early morning church masses.

He said even though he has never been a part of the organization of the nine morning festivities, he is, as far as he is aware, the only person to have written on the topic.

In National Treasures, this country’s history is packaged into military, industrial, religious and cultural heritages, and even boasts a 246 strong list of local cultural expressions.

One of Adams’ books, “People on the Move”, found its way on the booklist of the St. Vincent Grammar School, which Adams considers an honour, but laments that the other books, which are just as beneficial in his opinion, have not been recognized here.

Adams believes that a lot of our indigenous culture and history is being lost, and we as Vincentians need to become more aware of our history and the significance of historical sites and traditions.

His latest book, which he said may be his last, aims to give the nation’s history from a Carib and French point of view.

According to Adams, the late history of the Carib Nation is the early history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He hopes that this new publication, like the others, would be of some benefit to persons interested in the history of our Nation.