By Roy Sanford, Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE HANOVER Historical Society and Museum is this week hosting a series of events in honour of the talented Jamaican author C. Everard Palmer who hails from Kendal in the parish.
Mr. Palmer is being honoured for the contribution he has made to children's literature in Jamaica as well as abroad, according to officials at the museum.
Mr. Palmer, who now resides in Canada, arrived in the island earlier this week and has toured parts of the region including Negril and other parts of Hanover.
Yesterday he visited the Kendal High School where he once served as a teacher. A set of books by the author was presented to the school.
The highlight of the week takes place today when the museum hosts some 200 students with their teachers from 19 schools across Hanover. At that time Mr. Palmer will open an exhibition of his life and work. Minister of Education, Senator Burchel Whiteman and Canadian High Commissioner John Robinson are expected to attend.
In an interview, the author said he is overwhelmed by the tribute paid to him. "This is extraordinary since nothing like this had ever happened to me. I have sneaked in and out of Jamaica many times before and now I find myself in the limelight. It is very overwhelming," he remarked.
Commenting on his work Mr. Palmer, who did a stint in journalism at The Gleaner, said that most of his books were set in the Jamaica he was familiar with when he was growing up.
"They are more of a nostalgic look at Jamaica of the time when I grew up," he said. "Growing up was the best time of my life. I really enjoyed it. I had to milk cows and look for firewood and climb mango trees. All those things have never left my mind," he said.
Some of Mr. Palmer's works include, A Cow called Boy, The Cloud with the Silver Lining, The Wooing of Beppo Tate, The Sun Salutes Uou among others.
The Hanover Historical Society and Museum is a non-profit community based organisation. Situated in the town of Lucea, it serves as a cultural centre for the parish of Hanover.
