First Time Authors
First Time Authors
FIRST TIME AUTHORS PROGRAMME: WORLD BOOK AND COPYRIGHT DAY
Celebrating 1st Time Authors is NALIS’s initiative to applaud the hard work of first time authors, to encourage new writers to enter the publishing arena, and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The celebration also serves to commemorate World Book and Copyright Day which is observed each year on the 23rd of April. World Book and Copyright Day, promoted by UNESCO, aims to encourage reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.
In order to be eligible for consideration and recognition as a 1st Time Author please note the following:
1. The author must be of Trinidad and Tobago nationality or descent (parentage).
2. The book must be the first published book of any kind by the author regardless of whether the book is nonfiction or fiction such as a collection of poems, short stories or a novel. If the author published a poetry book in 2001 and subsequently published a children’s book in 2020, it will not qualify as the author’s first publication.
3. An academic writing such as a dissertation or paper will only be considered as a publication once it has been published and marketed as a book or in a journal for sale.
4. An author can only be eligible for recognition once. Therefore, if he/she has been recognised for a contribution in another collection or as a co-author, said person will not be recognised for a publication in the future for which he or she is the sole author.
5. The book should have been published during the period 1st January to the 31st December of the given year. For example, eligible submissions for 2026 First Time Authors will be from 1st January 2025 – 31st December 2025.
- First Time Authors 2026
- First Time Authors 2025
- First Time Authors 2024
- First Time Authors 2023
- First Time Authors 2022
- First Time Authors 2021
- First Time Authors 2020
- First Time Authors 2019
- First Time Authors 2018
- First Time Authors 2017
- First Time Authors 2016
- First Time Authors 2015
- First Time Authors 2014
- First Time Authors 2013
- First Time Authors 2012
- First Time Authors 2011
- First Time Authors 2010
17th Annual First-Time Authors' Appreciation Programme 2026
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2026, the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), through its Heritage Library Division, honoured seventy-seven (77) first-time authors whose works were published between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
The 17th Annual First-Time Authors' Appreciation Programme was held on 15 May 2026 at the Auditorium, Government Campus Plaza, Richmond Street, Port of Spain to celebrate their valuable contributions to Trinidad and Tobago's literary landscape. The programme was also streamed live on NALIS' social media platforms extending its reach to audiences nationwide in celebrating this important literary milestone. To complement the event, an exhibition showcasing the honoured authors and their publications was mounted in the News Media Room on the Ground Floor of the National Library Building, 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.
The First-Time Authors' Appreciation Programme is one of NALIS' flagship literary initiatives. It seeks to encourage emerging writers, recognise their achievements and raise public awareness of the importance of intellectual property rights and copyright protection.
The first-time authors honoured in 2026 were:
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The New Beginning |
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Happy Birthday Princess Curry Duck |
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Stages of Love: Poems of the Heart |
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The Bridge Between 25 & 30 |
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From Paramedic to PhD: A Journey of Resilience & How Mindset Determines the Outcome |
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Conversations with a President |
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Carefully Crowned: A Christian Guide for Aspiring Braiders |
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Respair: The Rain After Drought |
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The Christmas Wish |
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EPIC: Event Planning In the Caribbean |
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You're in an Anxious State |
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Weapons of Warfare and Declarations of Dominion |
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How Not to Get Horn: Advice from a Trini |
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The Resilient Warrior Journal: Surviving and Thriving Through the Trials of Life |
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Grace, Glow & Strength: Redefining Beauty & Wellness for the Empowered Woman |
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The Hive Experience: Making a Difference |
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A Crown Forged in Fire: Where Pain Meets Purpose & Victory |
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40 Pearls of Love |
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Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity |
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Small Stories for Smiling Children |
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It's Wednesday, What Could Go Wrong! |
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Smiling Stories for Smart Children |
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Refuelled for Purpose: 21 Day Devotional for the Weary, the Willing and the Called |
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Downloads from the Afterworld: Poetry for the 21st Century and Beyond |
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Ever a Never After |
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My Travel Airplane Activity Book |
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Grace: Testimonies of God Working in My Life |
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Unearthing Traditions: Stories of Language & Culture, Vol. 1 |
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Biblical Graphics Book |
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STOP, DROP & STARTUP |
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The Greatest Commandment |
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The Boisdepin Chronicles: Legacy of Bois |
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When We Pray the Our Father Prayer, We Unlock the Truth of Jesus Christ for Spiritual Success |
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Beets by Kim |
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A Beginner's Guide to Tassa Drums |
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Metamorphis: Embracing Life's Changes |
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Caribbean Noir: Shadows Over Tobago |
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Remote Working Handbook |
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Entering Into the Deep: Exploring the Prophetic |
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Begin at the End: Lead with Vision, Execute with Precision: Your Guide to Construction Project Management |
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Mermaidiorn Adventures: A Quest for Gold |
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Be the Person You Dream of Becoming |
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Luv U 7! |
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The Power Within: Becoming Who We Were Meant to Be |
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Dropped Like a Coconut from a Tree: Trinbago Tales Book 1 |
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Sometime Again |
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Meeting Up with Grief Face to Face |
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Of Love & Life: A Collection of Poems |
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De Barrack Yard |
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Fragments in Time |
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LISA |
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The Outpouring for God's Glory |
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Trigger Point: Shadowguard Protocol Rachel Henry |
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Crazy about the Caribbean- The Scan-tivity Book |
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The Work Book: A curious kid’s guide to this peculiar pursuit of parents. |
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From Prison to Palace: The Story of the First East Indian Commissioner of Prisons in Trinidad & Tobago |
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Luna's Colour Quest |
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An Unrelenting Woman |
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God Lifted Me Up! |
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Can You See My Pain |
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Autumn Leaves are Raining: A Biographical Fiction |
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Moses Revealed |
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Steelpan Coloring & Activity Book |
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Morocoy: A West Indian folk story from Africa about how morocoy got a cracked shell |
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Toxic Thoughts: The Battle in the Mind |
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The Seven Kingdoms |
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Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire |
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ABC Medicine |
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The Adventures of Caribbean Girl |
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Trinbago Highlights Colouring Book |
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Lost in the Trini Jungle |
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The Joy of Serving: A Guide for The Professional Food Server |
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Understanding the Prophetic: God’s Heart, Plan and Will Revealed to Mankind |
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Somebody's Sleepy But Not Me |
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Let's Be Intentional: 4 Steps to Getting and Staying UNSTUCK and Finding the Clarity, Confidence & Courage to Live Your Life on Purpose |
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Pocket Full of Poems: A Stash of Poetic Treasures |
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LoreFolk: Out from the Shadows |
16th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS' APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2025
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2025, NALIS through the Heritage Library Division presented appreciation tokens to sixty-nine (69) first time authors who published over the period January 1st 2024 to December 31st 2024. This official programme was held at The Auditorium, Government Campus Plaza, Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain on 9th May 2025. Additionally, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications in the Rotunda on the ground floor of the National Library Building, 23 Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain. The 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme, was streamed live on NALIS’ social media platforms.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The first time authors honoured in 2025 were:
15th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS' APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2024
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2024, NALIS through the Heritage Library Division presented appreciation tokens to forty (40) first time authors who published over the period January 1st 2023 to December 31st 2023. This official programme was held at the Pamella Benson Audio Visual Room, National Library Building, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain on 2nd May 2024. Additionally, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications in the News Media Room at the National Library Building. The 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme, was streamed live on NALIS’ social media platforms.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The first time authors honoured in 2024 were:
14th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS' APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2023
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2023, NALIS through the Heritage Library Division presented appreciation tokens to fifty-five (55) first time authors who published over the period January 1st 2022 to December 31st 2022. This official programme was held at the Auditorium, Government Plaza, Richmond Street, Port-of-Spain on 9th May 2023. Additionally, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications, initially at the Government Plaza and subsequently, at the National Library Building, Port of Spain. The 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme, extended its reach to a live audience on NALIS’ social media platforms.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The first time authors honoured in 2023 were:
13th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2022
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2022 NALIS, through the Heritage Library Division presented sixty-two (62) first time authors for the period January 1st 2021 to December 31st 2021 with appreciation tokens at an official programme held at Theatre I, University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) National Academy for the Performing Arts, (NAPA) on the 26th July 2022. The 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation programme, extended its reach to a live audience on NALIS’ social media platforms. Additionally, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The 1st Time Authors’ for 2022 were:
12th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2021
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2021 NALIS, through the Heritage Library Division presented forty-five (45) first time authors for the period January 1st 2020 to December 31st 2020 with appreciation tokens at a virtual programme held in the Rotunda of the National Library Building between 18 - 20 October, 2021 as a result of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation, was aired on Trinidad and Tobago Television Limited (TTT) and on NALIS’ social media platforms.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The 1st Time Authors’ for 2021 were:
11th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2020
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2020 NALIS, through the Heritage Library Division presented forty - two (42) first time authors for the period January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2019 with appreciation tokens at a virtual programme held in the Audio Visual Room, National Library Building between 15th and 16th December, 2020 as a result of the on-going COVID -19 pandemic. The 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation, was sponsored in part by The Massy Group and Eastern Credit Union.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The 1st Time Authors’ for 2020 were:
10th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2019
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2019 NALIS, through the Heritage Library Division presented forty - nine (49) first time authors for the period January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2018 with appreciation tokens at an official programme held in the Audio Visual Room, National Library Building on the 24th April, 2019. This year the 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation, was sponsored by the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC). In addition, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications.
NALIS’ 1st Time Authors’ Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The 1st Time Authors’ for 2019 were:
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2018 NALIS, through the Heritage Library Division presented forty five (45) 1st Time Authors for the period January 1st 2017 to December 31st 2017 with appreciation tokens at an official programme held in the Audio Visual Room, National Library Building on the 25th April, 2018. In addition, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors for 2017 were:
8th ANNUAL FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2017
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2016 NALIS, through the Heritage Library Division presented thirty seven (37) 1st Time Authors for the period January 1st 2016 to December 31st 2016 with appreciation tokens at an official programme held in the Audio Visual Room, National Library Building on the 26th April, 2017. This year the 1st Time Author Appreciation, was sponsored in part by the ANSA McAL Group of Companies. In addition, an exhibition was mounted to showcase these authors and their publications.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors for 2016 were:
FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2016
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2016 NALIS’ Heritage Library Division mounted an exhibition acknowledging thirty – six (36) 1st Time Authors for the calendar year April 2015 to March 2016.
This exhibition marked the seventh observance and celebrated persons who have been published for the first time during the period.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers to have their works published and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors for 2016 were:
FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME 2015
In observance of World Book and Copyright Day 2015 NALIS’ Heritage Library Division mounted an exhibition acknowledging thirty –five (35) 1st Time Authors for the calendar year April 2014 to March 2015.
This exhibition marked the sixth observance and celebrated persons who have been published for the first time during the period.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers to have their works published and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors for 2015 were:
FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME
NALIS’ fifth annual First Time Authors Appreciation Programme was held on May 15, 2014 at the Amphitheatre, National Library Building , Port of Spain.
This programme celebrated and recognised persons who have been published for the first time during the period April 2013 to March 2014.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers to have their works published and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors awarded for 2014 were:
FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME
NALIS’ fourth annual First Time Authors Appreciation Programme was held on April 23, 2013 (World Book and Copyright Day) at the Central Bank Auditorium, Port of Spain.
This programme celebrated and recognised persons who have been published for the first time during the period April 2012 and March 2013.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers to have their works published and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors awarded for 2013 were:
FIRST TIME AUTHORS APPRECIATION PROGRAMME
NALIS’ third annual First Time Authors Appreciation Programme was held on April 23, 2012 (World Book and Copyright Day) at Theatre One, UTT Campus at NAPA, Port of Spain.
This programme celebrated and recognised persons who have been published for the first time during the period April 2011 and March 2012.
NALIS’ First Time Authors Appreciation Programme is designed to encourage writers to have their works published and to raise public awareness of the issues involved in the protection of intellectual property as well as the enforcement of copyright. The First Time Authors for 2012 were awarded in the following categories:
- Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Poetry
- Honourable Mention
Please also see the First Time Authors Appreciation Programme Press Advertisement.
FICTION
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Raisah Ali |
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Lorraine Anthony-Bynoe |
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Elspeth Duncan |
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Cheryl Gibson |
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Christopher Gordon Timothy’s Lessons in Good Values highlights the importance of courage, diligence and perseverance through story-telling and fun filled activities. Read more... |
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Chris-Ann C. Graham Misunderstood: By a Single Twist of Fate is a novelabout friendship, relationships and sexuality. Read more... |
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August Haly |
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Paola Henderson |
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Kathryn Hosein |
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Ryan James |
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Anna King |
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June Lee Sing-Khan |
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Gareth Mayers |
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Lynette Noel The Night Nopat was Left Out is a story that touches on the struggle of adolescents to find self, while addressing the dilemma parents face in guiding them through this stage of development. Read more... |
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Rev. Cyril Paul (deceased) |
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Pundit Gyandeo Persad |
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Christine L. Ramoutar Tales from the Pine Forest is a collection of short tales about the Nimbly Knock squirrel family. The tales are to teach children essential values for life. Read more... |
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Ryan Ramoutar |
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Kentie Salandy |
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Ornella Sammy |
NON-FICTION
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Anjani Ali |
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Dianne Awong Persaud |
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Beatrice Beddoe-Mc Shine |
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Eikirenkson Charles |
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Rev Dr. Henry J. Charles Forgiveness Considered explores the word in its biblical and non-biblical meanings. It clarifies the several misrepresentations of forgiveness in ordinary understanding. Read more... |
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Carolyn K. Correia Thinking Out Loud is a collection of articles, with each page containing something special for everyone. Read more... |
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Petreece Cuffie |
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Martin Deane |
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Shirley Hall |
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Lauren Joseph |
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Hakeem Karamath |
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Sylvan Lightbourne |
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Joel A. Marshall |
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David Pope |
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Sherry-Ann Singh |
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Godfrey A. Steele Health Communication in the Caribbean and beyond: a Reader is a discussion of local and international health communication literature. Read more... |
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Captain Dr. Wallace W. Williams |
POETRY
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Marjorie Alfonso |
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Safiya Baksh Hosein |
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Cassandra Baptiste |
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Denise Etienne |
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Natalie M. Gonsalves Between the Plains is a book of poetry compiled over a period of eight (8) years. The book contains forty-eight (48) poems and has a picture for each poem. Read more... |
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Helen John It’s My Turn to Bless You Mother is a book of prayer, poems and encouragement for mothers and women. It aims at reminding them that many of the changes in this world truly begin with us. Read more... |
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Karen King |
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Roxanne Mapp |
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Franchot P Moore |
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Fawzia Muradali Kane |
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Peter J Questel |
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Michelle Thomas |
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Joy Valdez |
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Abigail Vegier |
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Rudolph A. Williams If I Die Tonight is a collection of stories and poemsin whichthe writer explores some complex aspects of human behavior. Read more... |
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Harry Sankar and Radica Sankar |
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Kishore Rampersad Poems is a collection of locally written poems suitable for primary school children and described as “a humble offering of love made manifest.”Read more... |
HONORABLE MENTION
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Abigail J.Chandler |
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Sue-Ann C. Commissiong |
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Aarti Anika Gosine |
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Dhanraj Ramnath Succeed in Electronics - Basic Theory is an academic text book for students of electronic or electrical engineering. Read more... |
FIRST TIME AUTHORS 2011
| Alana D. O. Babb - Poems from the Heart is a compilation of poems on love, friendship, beauty, the environment and breakups. The book is inspirational entertaining, thought provoking and suitable for all ages. Read more... |
| Claudette D. Bacchas - Eat Greedily God’s word: More Necessary Than Food was inspired by Job chapter 23:12 and is based on her experiences with God. Her prayer is that every individual who reads this book will come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour. Read more... |
| Dr. Suzanne Burke - Policing the Transnational: Cultural Policy Development in the Anglophone Caribbean 1962 - 2008 explores and critiques cultural policy practices in the region from the independence era to present day. Read more... |
| Sherese Chee Mook - Sovereignty Deconstructed and Self-definition Revisited: A Perspective on the Abolition or Retention of the Privy Council as the Final Court of Appeal for Trinidad and Tobago expands the debate as to whether former British Colonies such as those from the Commonwealth Caribbean ought to retain or abolish the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as its final court of appeal. Read more... |
| Jonathan de la Rosa - A Coconuts Life For Me was inspired by a desire to read a local book to his son. He wanted an age appropriate book with a local Caribbean flavour and so Husky was born. This is the first piece in the “Husky the Coconut” series. Read more... |
| Usha Habib - Hindu Epics is a compilation of 21 stories that are important to all Hindus. The topics range from the manifestations of God on earth, to great enlightened men or women famous for their deeds or way of thinking. Read more... |
| Krishna Haraksingh - Concepts of Statistical Polls was written to assist citizens in understanding the ideas and approaches that would help in understanding statistical information that can impact on daily life and issues of national importance. Read more... |
| Ronald Arthur Hinkson - Gemstones Set in Sterling Silver is a compilation of fifteen humorous stories that vividly reflect the adventure of Ronald Hinkson. Read more... |
| Kia-Marie Khelawan - Friendly Fire and a Side Order of French is a humorous story of a whimsical, free-spirited intern’s first foray into the world of corporate work. Read more... |
| David L. King - An Innocent Killing is a murder mystery intertwined with a love story that starts in New York City and ends in a small village in India. Read more... |
| Kwailan La Borde - Wind, Sea & Faith is an autobiography of her life. It depicts her journey as a courageous and determined adventurer, while giving insight into her innermost thoughts and challenges as she sailed twice around the globe. |
| Edward Mahabir - The Legend of Bizarium - A New Divide is a twenty six (26) chapter novel, which chronicles the adventures of six (6) friends. Read more... |
| Clyde Manswell - The Pledge tells the story of one man’s remarkable journey from Trinidad & Tobago to Canada, from relative poverty to relative affluence, from childhood to adulthood. It is a story about, the power of a simple pledge between a mother and a son, and the power of a family’s love and solidarity. Read more... |
| Manuel A. Pantin - The Return of EL Dorado and Sins of the Father is a novel in two parts, in Trinidad and a fictional South American state called Upata. In this story an Amerindian Prince and his descendants wage a long war of liberation. Read more... |
| Phillip Edwin - Internal Music - Is Music from the Heart was written to bring people to a better understanding of their mind and heart in relation to God. Read more... |
| Garth Lyder - The Boy from Tacarigua is an autobiographical work that can serve as a road map for young men that find themselves lost on the desolate road of life. Read more... |
| Shamilla Scarlett - Understanding Poetry for CSEC, presents excellent tips for the analysis of poetry as it has thematic tables with relevant poems, and sample questions and specimen answers. Read more... |
| Lennox Sankersingh - Politics in the Indo-Trinidadian Constituencies 2009 is an analysis of politics in a developing country. Read more... |
| Sahara Seedeo - Poetic Enlightenment, Sahara’s writing surfaced after leaving secondary school. She has an uncanny ability to write freely with a fluent flow of thoughts and words. Read more... |
| Stanley Scott - Raising a White Binny traces the experiences of four friends in London, England in the 1960’s. Read more... |
| Sheilah Solomon - Perception’s Knife by conveys a sanguine hopeful outlook on life. These poems are direct, pointed, immediate, balanced and resonant. Read more... |
| George Martin Tavares - The Psalms of YAD-EL 110 by is an anthology of Christian inspirational psalms, poems, and songs. Read more... |
| Georgia Dyett - Isaiah and His Friends is based on moral values for children. Georgia saw the need for this area in a child’s early development to be addressed. Her objective in writing books is to leave behind a legacy for the young people of Trinidad and Tobago. Read more... |
| Julia Alexander-Sancho - A Journey into the Presence of the Lord presents a simple way to develop a better relationship with God. Read more... |
| Cecly Ann Mitchell - Le Noireau, tells the story of Scotland Bay, and follows the fortunes of the Le Noireau family through six generations from the moment Franz Claude departed St. Domingue to Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence in 1962. Read more... |
Speeches given at the First Time Authors Appreciation Programme 2011
FIRST TIME AUTHORS 2010: FICTION
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BERTILLE ALLAHAR |
| CALVIN BIJOU If I Had Today Calvin Bijou was born at Lucknow Street, St. James and attended Woodbrook Presbyterian Primary School, Fatima College and the University of The West Indies, St. Augustine. Read more... |
| ROY ANTHONY GALT Boldly The Trips Roy Anthony Galt was born in 1922, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He was educated at St. Joseph’s Convent and St Mary’s College, Port of Spain, Trinidad. At age 22, Galt married Marjorie Millar with whom he was immensely happy for 56 years until her demise in 2001. Their marriage produced three daughters and four sons. Read more... |
| BRIJ GOBERDHAN Jewels For Children Brij Goberdhan was born on August 27th, 1962, in Sangre Grande, Trinidad. He attended Avocat Vedic School and San Fernando Boys Government School before completing his secondary school studies at Naparima Boys College. Read more... |
| REGINALD JACK The Headless Corpse Reginald Jack was born in San Fernando, but now resides in Couva Trinidad. He was educated at Fyzabad Intermediate and as a young man always dreamt of being a published writer. Read more... |
| DONNA MAE GREAVES At Last Donna Mae was born on March 06, 1967 to her proud parents Ernest and Sylvia Greaves. She began writing at a very young age. As a child her stories entertained her mother and playmates in her neighbourhood. Read more... |
| SHRIDATH SHIVA MAHARAJH (Cheyene Navin Boodoo) The Beast of Venus Shridath Shiva Maharajh was born on 14th January, 1977 and raised in Cantaro, Santa Cruz, Trinidad. Writing under the pen name (Cheyne Boodoo) Shridarth, shares proud roots with a multi-ethnic home life in the Southern Caribbean. Read more... |
| BRENTON NICHOLAS The Realm of Kings: The Struggle Between Light and Darkness Brenton Nicholas was born 1987 in Sangre Grande. He grew up and still lives in Biche, Trinidad. At secondary school his favourite subject was English Literature. He found the courage to begin writing while he was studying for his Advanced level Examinations at Rio Claro Secondary School. Read more... |
| ANNETTE OSBORNE ...as A Tale That Is Told Annette Osborne (nee Phillips) was born on April 26, 1946 in Arouca, Trinidad, West Indies. She graduated from The University of the West Indies (UWI) with BA (1973), MEd (1990) and MPhil (1997) degrees. Read more... |
| BETTY PETER Brown Sugar and Spice Betty has worn many hats. She was a private teacher to the children of the Administrator of St Lucia. Subsequently she was chosen to be the understudy to Dorothy Dandridge in the film “Island in the Sun” and travelled with 20th Century Fox throughout the Caribbean. Read more... |
| JAMAL L Q'TELLE Jayden and the Return of the Jalon Warriors Jamal Lennard Q'ettelle Jr. was born on the 14th August, 1983, in Chinapoo, Morvant. He is the second eldest of eight children. He enjoys playing football, cricket, basketball and chess. He attended the St. Dominic's RC School, and later passed for the Success Laventille Composite School. Read more... |
| CAROL SAMMY-HOLAS Dilemmas of Deokie Carol Sammy was born and grew up in Trinidad, later residing in England for a number of years. She has worked with Special Needs children in both countries, and is the co-founder of the St. John Bosco Academy, a small Special Needs school owned by Mrs Leticia Rodriguez-Cupid a close friend and confidante of Mrs. Sammy. Read more... |
FIRST TIME AUTHORS 2010: NON-FICTION
| ANNABELLE BALLY Trinidad and Tobago Smart Kids Annabelle Bally was born 1981 in Trinidad, where she was educated at the Montrose Vedic Primary School, Chaguanas Junior Secondary School & Chaguanas Senior Comprehensive School. Read more... |
| CLEMENT BURKETT Reflections of a Soldier, A Memoir of 1970 and Events Before and After Clement Burkett, was a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force from 1966 -1972, two years after the armed revolt in the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment which occurred on the 21st April 1970. He was the Assistant Company Clerk at the time the revolt started, and witnessed almost every unfortunate event that occurred in and around that period. Read more... |
| DEXTER EMRIT Awakening the Spirit...You Can! Dexter Emrit was born in Tunapuna, Trinidad in 1968. He is the youngest amongst six children and currently resides in his hometown. He holds a Master’s Degree (Heriott Watt) in General Management and is also a specialist in Human Resource Management. Read more... |
| WENDY FITZWILLIAM Letters to Ailan Miss Universe 1998, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother and author; Wendy Marcelle Fitzwilliam was born on October 4, 1972 in Diego Martin, Trinidad and Tobago She holds a bachelor, degree in law (LLB) from the University of the West Indies and is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Bar Association. Read more... |
| SHERIZA HASSAN-ALI Extranets: Designing, Planning and Implementation, A Practical Guide for Implementing Secure Enterprisewide Communication Sheriza was born and raised in Manahambre, Princes Town, Trinidad in 1965. She attended Lengua Islamia TIA Primary School and St Stephens College in Princes Town (1976-1983). Read more... |
| DEANE HUSBANDS Floored Price Contorls in Trinidad and Tobago Mr. Deane Husbands was born on October 22, 1960 and grew up in the community of Tacarigua in Trinidad where he still resides. He was first employed in 1983 as an economist in the public service of Trinidad and Tobago where he served for twenty-five years. Currently he is self-employed as a consultant. Read more... |
| KEITH JACKSON All the World Worshipped the Beast Keith has researched Bible Prophecy for the past 29 years. His research led him to produce his book All the world worshipped the Beast. Read more... |
| JOY KELSHALL Embracing Success through Customer Service Joy Kelshall retired from the aviation industry after over twenty years of service. There she acquired a wealth of knowledge in Customer Service and in Training. Recognizing the great importance of good customer service, which she considers the key element to success, Joy decided to write a book about it. Read more... |
| ANU LAKHAN Street Food of the Caribbean In 2003 Anu Lakhan started her food column in the magazine Caribbean Beat. The column was once described by the magazine’s editor as a body of work that “mystified readers by discussing the metaphysics of food.” Read more... |
| ROSE MOHAMMED Perspectives of a Muslim Woman from the Caribbean Rose Mohammed is sixty eight years of age. She is married to Rashide Tallim Mohammed. She has two sons and her daughter -in- law, Ira Mathur is a Journalist. Rose joined the Public Service in 1961 where she worked for nineteen years. Read more... |
| WAYNE MORRIS (Rafiki) The Call of the Drum, The Philosophy of Conscience & African Worldview Rafiki...muralist, painter, poet, writer, historian, political scientist, organizer, educator, performer and public speaker, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA in October of 1956, and began drawing at age three. Read more... |
| CHRISTOPHER P. NOKIO A Man's Guide to Good Cheating, "...What Most Men Want to Know...But What All Women Should Know" From a family steeped in the traditions of print and publishing, Christopher P. Nokio, the writer’s pen name, has been writing most of his adult life. Short stories, long stories and short plays were his secret indulgence. Christopher eventually took on a job at a local weekly newspaper which allowed him the time and outlet to write. Read more... |
| STEPHEN 'STEVE' RAMDHANI The Great and the Teribble Day of the Lord...decoded Stephen Ramdhani was born in the village of Balmain in 1955. At present he lives at Couva with his wife Angie and children Nesha, Jessica, Joel, and Priscilla. Today he works with the Ministry of Works as a painter. Read more... |
| ANTHONY WEBSTER Lifelines: 101 Thoughts and Tips for the Joureny of Life Anthony Webster was born in Trinidad and Tobago. He was able to garner a wealth of knowledge and experience by pursuing his chosen profession, his exposure to life in a monastery. Read more... |
FIRST TIME AUTHORS 2010: POETRY
| MARYSE ACHONG AND WILLOWDOWN Faery Child and Other Favourites Trinimade (Maryse Achong) began writing poems about any and everything at an early age. Since both her parents loved and wrote poetry, this seemed to be a natural thing to do. Read more... |
| CARSON ALEXANDER Dove, Love & Real Life Carson Alexander was born in Maraval and currently resides there. In 1998 he began writing poems at South East Port- of-Spain. The main reason was to spread love through poems. Read more... |
| HENRY ELIJAH CLARKE Songs of Inspiration and Hope Henry Elijah Clarke was born in Kilmamock a small district in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. At a young age he was seen as the Village Reporter as he would submit articles about his community to the Daily Gleaner which was the main newspaper. Read more... |
| SATRAM DEO My Legacy at Carnegie Free Library: Poems Satram Deo was born in 1949 and grew up in humble surroundings in Central Trinidad. He was the fifth of eight children, born to parents, who were sugar workers with Caroni Limited. Read more... |
| IAN DIFFENTHALLER Crossed Suns Ian Dieffenthaller was born in the UK to a Trinidadian family. He grew up in and around San Fernando and was schooled and at Pointe-à-Pierre. He then trained as an architect at Bristol, and acquired his PhD from the University of Birmingham. Read more... |
| RAKHEE A. KISSOON Teardrop Rakhee A. Kissoon’s story started 30 years ago in Railway Road, Cunupia. She was born into a strong Hindu home. Her parents were Hindu devotees who along with her elder brother were strong spiritual leaders within their community. Read more... |
| PHILBERT A. LENDOR Inspired Poems: Poetic Expressions, A Truly Innovative Anthological Experience Philbert Alexander Lendor is a past student of the Writer’s Bureau of Manchester, England. Philbert thinks that he has a unique understanding of events. Read more... |
| JANESSA 'JANBERRY' MC KELL Godcall Janessa had always been intrigued with words. She read a lot when she was a child, but because she remembered so little of the books she read, she concluded that she was more bedazzled by word play, sentence construction, vocabulary and literal conjecture, than content. Read more... |
| SHIVANAND MOHAN The Age of Romance and Reason Shivanand Mohan was born in 1982. He was first of three children and the only boy. His interest in writing and the written word can be attributed to his maternal grandmother who delighted in telling him stories from the Ramayan or reading stories she knew as a child. Read more... |
| CARLA PRIME Ode to Love Carla Prime was born 1959 in San Juan, where she grew up and attended San Juan Girls’ Government School and then San Juan Government Secondary School. She has one daughter Welete-Israel. Read more... |
| THERESE CECILE RACHPAUL Heroes in the Dark Therese Cecile Rachpaul is a poet residing in San-Fernando, Trinidad. She has written many poems, short stories and essays from her days at St. Gabriel’s Girls’ Roman Catholic Primary School where in Standard Five, her essay was chosen to be published in the Junior Express Newspaper. Read more... |
FIRST TIME AUTHORS 2010: SPECIAL MENTION
| LISA ALLEN-AGOSTINI The Chalice Project Lisa Allen-Agostini is a writer and journalist. She is co-editor of Trinidad Noir (Akashic Books, 2008) and author of The Chalice Project (Macmillan Caribbean, 2008). A freelance journalist, she writes for the Trinidad & Tobago Guardian, Caribbean Beat magazine, the Caribbean Review of Books and other publications. Read more... |
| CHERYL ANN GAJADHAR The Girl in the Cupboard The Girl in the Cupboard is an autobiographical portrayal of Cheryl Ann’s life from childhood to adulthood. Her experience runs the gamut of abuse with its attendant ills: insecurity, loneliness, self-doubt, self-hate, confusion and impaired choices that she overcame. Read more... |
| SUSAN SINANNA-GANNESS The Legacy of a Patriarch Susan Sinanan-Ganness was born at Beausejour village in Cedros. She is the 7th child of Charitar and Dhanpatia Sinanan from a family of 8 girls and 6 boys. She is married and is the mother of two daughters and two sons. Read more... |
| BURTON SANKERALLI The Rag File - Writings of the Aluminium Smelter Wars Burton Sankeralli is an independent intellectual. He has been involved in philosophical research and Trinidadian culture for over twenty years. A former newspaper columnist his pieces have also appeared in a number of scholarly and academic publications, including Enterprise of the Indies edited by George Lamming. Read more... |
| ALBERT SYDNEY Postmarks from Paradise Albert W B Sydney has designed several philatelic issues for Trinidad and Tobago and is Executive Director of Sydney Associates, a Corporate Philatelic and Numismatic Consultancy firm since 1992. Read more... |