Educator Corinth Lewis pens Moments in Time, Volumes 1 & 2

Academic and scholar, doctor Corinth Morter Lewis released two not one, publications this morning. Lewis’ books will be enjoyed by both children and adults. Combined they are a compilation of short stories, plays and poetry. At the launch this morning, the Governor General introduced Lewis as the Renaissance woman who was interested in the likes of Shakespeare from early in life. News Five’s Jose Sanchez, presented Volume One of Moments in Time and has this report.

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

Earlier today, Corinth Morter Lewis released two books that will be considered relevant additions to Belize’s growing literary culture: Moments in Time, Volumes one and two. At the launch on the grounds of the Leo Bradley Library, Primary School student Brianna Johnson read from Book 2 which has an emphasis on youth.

Brianna Johnson

Brianna Johnson, Reading from Moments in Time, Volume 2

“My mother’s love cannot be measures, it has no physical side. It stretches over days and months and years. It reaches high up to the sky. My mother’s love lives on forever.”

Jose Sanchez

Jose Sanchez, Reading from Moments in Time Volume 1

“Over waters, tides, shackled, we came, we came. They came. With whips and ships of pain stranded, branded, bewildered, lost. For years we search down roads, mantles not our own. Lit candles worshipped at foreign altars while our drums rumbled. It is a poem that transcends the transatlantic slave trade and offers hope within struggle and the pages turn until all of it becomes Belize. In reading the poems of Miss Morter Lewis I can’t help but thinking, she could look into the corner of a room and find light in the darkness. Stands among the cobwebs and inspirational directions and good work of tides. It is a compliment to the imagination that has spanned for decades and it is in the collection. It’s a craft that sails along the history of Belize. Feel free to paddle along in your leisure of Moments in Time volume one.”

Adele Ramos

Adele Ramos

“This is the moment in time, this is her moment in time and there will never be another moment like this. I am glad you have come out to join her on this very special occasion. I want to thank you for being here and I want to thank the national library service. She hasn’t realized what she’s done; she doesn’t realize it. She’s so very humble.”

Patrick Faber

Patrick Faber, Minister of Education

“She had come to inform me that the proceeds of her book will be going to the children of this country through Restore Belize and sharing copies of her books with the libraries, the national archives and school libraries across the country. Now I said she scared me because I don’t want to think of Doctor Lewis as gone, but I do enjoy and I do share with those who said we should not wait until she is gone to say what an excellent lady she is and how great her contributions have been to Belize’s Education system.”

Ivory Kelly, Reader

Ivory Kelly

“These two volumes are great testament to who we are as Belizeans and also to the versatility of Doctor Lewis as a writer having been treated by the slop-bucket poem. You will really see how versatile she is with the poem.  Green trees are circling above crystal clear like sparkles. A summer sunlight passionately kisses its face, dazzling the eyes as shafts and reflective ways make even the insensitive man shun his face and gaze.”

The author was introduced by the Governor General.

Colville Young

Sir Colville Young, Governor General

“The background of a person from Belize Technical College was science and here she was in my English class wanting to learn about Shakespeare and Keats and Blake and Austin and Dickens and all the things we had to study in English Literature at that time. I had my doubt, but she had none. So we decided she would take her seat in my class and she turned out to be one of the most brilliant of my students. She was a true renaissance woman.  I ask you to give a great round of applause for Doctor Corinth Morter Lewis.”

Dr. Corinth Morter Lewis PhD, Author

Corinth Morter Lewis

“And I really want you to read the book because it is about you. I said that on the show last night.  I wrote it yes, and it reflects something about me. But what I write I feel is truth. And so when you read on a piece, I ask that you look for that in what you read. Other than that I don’t know what else to say but thank you to Belize. I am who I am because of the support I got from my family. But it’s my journey with you, with my country and with my people that has brought me to this place and I thank you for it. Without you, I wouldn’t be who I am.”

Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.

Proceeds of book sales will be donated to Restore Belize’s Adopt a Student Program.