VAWP Launches National History Book and Presents Lifetime Achievement Awards 

By Val Matthias. Updated 7:22 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers, and Producers (VAWP) hosted the launch of St. Vincent and the Grenadines: A General History to the Year 2025, Volume One at the University of the West Indies Global Campus in Kingstown in August 2025.

The book, authored by Dr. Adrian Fraser, Dr. Garrey Dennie and Dr. Cleve Scott, documents the nation’s early history from 5000 BP to 1838, covering native peoples, genocide, and African enslavement. Published by Ian Randle Publishers, it is intended as a reference for schools and cultural institutions.  

At the launch, VAWP President Ms. Rene Baptiste presented the Lifetime Achievement Awards 2026 to three scholars. In her remarks, she said, “It gives me great pleasure this evening as president of this Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers, and Producers to bestow the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 on Dr. Cleve Scott in recognition of his tireless work of the history and the role of music and religious practices in our nation.” She also announced the recognition of Dr. Garrey Dennie, stating, “The Vincentian Association of Artists, Writers, and Producers bestowed upon Dr. Gary Denny the Lifetime Achievement Award 2026 in recognition of his scholarship in African and Caribbean history with the linkages to our own history and heritage.” On Dr. Adrian Fraser, she added, “In my own deliberate judgment, it gives me great pleasure to recognize Dr. Adrian Fraser for his life’s work in documenting the history of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.” 

Ms. Baptiste further urged the audience to support youth and cultural development, saying, “Please do something and give some impetus to our young people, I was so determined that we must get to it and work with UWI here at the campus to make sure we have an annual literary fair.”  

VAWP, established in 2011, has promoted writers, artists, and producers through annual literary fairs, performing arts festivals, and partnerships with institutions such as the University of the West Indies and the National Public Library. Its activities include book launches, craft and visual art exhibitions, live performances, and children’s cultural programming, while also contributing to international cultural advocacy through submissions to the United Nations Human Rights Council.  

The presentation of the awards at the book launch showsVAWP’s continuing role in preserving heritage, supporting creative work, and recognizing scholarship in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  

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