Attorney General Julio A. Brady has declined to press criminal charges against anyone involved in a scuffle during the 150th Emancipation Day celebration July 3 in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Brady, in a letter dated Jan. 4, said an investigation found insufficient evidence to charge the two police officers or three security guards for Emerging Communications who stopped Sen. Adelbert M. Bryan from speaking at the ceremony — or to charge Bryan for his role in the fracas.
"After careful reviewing of the sharply conflicting eyewitness reports and taking into account the emotionally charged circumstances caused principally by miscommunication, I conclude that criminal charges are not warranted," Brady wrote.
He said any of the parties can pursue civil remedies.
At the time of the incident, which disrupted and halted the anniversary celebration, Gov. Roy L. Schneider called on Brady to pursue charges against Bryan for assaulting the security officers. Bryan, in turn, demanded that Brady charge the officers with assaulting him.
V.I. CHALLENGE JOINS DENNIS CONNER
The Virgin Islands America's Cup Challenge is merging with "the most experienced Cup racer in the world," Dennis Conner.
Michael Bornn, president of the V.I. Challenge said this "will ensure the V.I. Challenge will be present at New Zealand for the Cup."
The combined effort will be called Team Dennis Conner.
Peter Holmberg, co-founder with Bornn of the V.I. Challenge, said the Virgin Islands raised more money per capita than any other challenge — but still not enough to move forward with its own independent effort.
"The man on the street in the V.I. will see no visible change except maybe an additional logo on team gear," Holmberg said.
In a game where sponsorship money is as important as talent, Bornn said, "This will combine the experience of Team Dennis Conner with the talent of Peter Holmberg and the marketing appeal of the V.I. Challenge."
The David Pedrick Design team, retained by V.I. Challenge, is another asset the V.I. Challenge brings to the mix, he said.
Bornn said the commitments made to V.I. Challenge sponsors will be honored by the new team.
If the new team wins in New Zealand, the Virgin Islands will have the chance to host the America's Cup, according to Bornn.
Peter Holmberg will be part of Team Dennis Conner by contract, with other V.I. team members given the right to try out for the new effort.
Team Dennis Connor, ranked third in U.S. America's Cup chances by Gary Jobson, editor of Sailing World magazine, in its November 1998 issue, will combine its money-raising ability with sixth-ranked V.I. Challenge's attractive venue and winning design team.
Michael Bornn, president of the V.I. Challenge said this "will ensure the V.I. Challenge will be present at New Zealand for the Cup."
The combined effort will be called Team Dennis Conner.
Peter Holmberg, co-founder with Bornn of the V.I. Challenge, said the Virgin Islands raised more money per capita than any other challenge — but still not enough to move forward with its own independent effort.
"The man on the street in the V.I. will see no visible change except maybe an additional logo on team gear," Holmberg said.
In a game where sponsorship money is as important as talent, Bornn said, "This will combine the experience of Team Dennis Conner with the talent of Peter Holmberg and the marketing appeal of the V.I. Challenge."
The David Pedrick Design team, retained by V.I. Challenge, is another asset the V.I. Challenge brings to the mix, he said.
Bornn said the commitments made to V.I. Challenge sponsors will be honored by the new team.
If the new team wins in New Zealand, the Virgin Islands will have the chance to host the America's Cup, according to Bornn.
Peter Holmberg will be part of Team Dennis Conner by contract, with other V.I. team members given the right to try out for the new effort.
Team Dennis Connor, ranked third in U.S. America's Cup chances by Gary Jobson, editor of Sailing World magazine, in its November 1998 issue, will combine its money-raising ability with sixth-ranked V.I. Challenge's attractive venue and winning design team.
BRIDGE CLUB MEETS OFTEN, WELCOMES VISITORS
The St. Thomas Bridge Club meets at 1:30 p.m. Sundays, at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and at 7 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. Visitors are welcome.
Meetings are at Al Cohen's Plaza on Raphune Hill. For information call 776-2090 or 775-5335.
Meetings are at Al Cohen's Plaza on Raphune Hill. For information call 776-2090 or 775-5335.
LOCKHART OFFERS PARENTING PROGRAM TO ALL
Lockhart Elementary School begins its series on effective parenting — "Healthy Families, Happy Homes" — on Jan. 13. The public is invited.
Guest speakers and their topics include:
— Dilsa Capdeville, abuse and building self-esteem.
— Dr. Audria Thomas, asthma and allergies.
— Dale Garee, AIDS.
— Pastor Dean Benta, fathers, families and children.
The program starts at 5:30 p.m. at the school. For information call PTA president Mario Francis at 774-3745.
Guest speakers and their topics include:
— Dilsa Capdeville, abuse and building self-esteem.
— Dr. Audria Thomas, asthma and allergies.
— Dale Garee, AIDS.
— Pastor Dean Benta, fathers, families and children.
The program starts at 5:30 p.m. at the school. For information call PTA president Mario Francis at 774-3745.
LOOKING FOR LITTLE MISS VALENTINE
The St. Thomas East End Leo Club is seeking girls 6 to 8 years old to compete for Miss Valentine.
For information call V. deLagarde or K. deLagarde at 775-4683.
For information call V. deLagarde or K. deLagarde at 775-4683.
WINDWARD PASSAGE NOT A HOLIDAY INN YET
The Holiday Inn sign may be visible at the Windward Passage Hotel, but the name change is not quite official yet.
General Manager Hamid Khanbashi says it will be about a month before the 30-year-old hotel receives its new designation.
Holiday Inn has completed 80 percent to 85 percent of its inspections of the downtown St. Thomas property, Khanbashi said.
Once it formally joins the international chain, the 151-room, full-service hotel will continue to be monitored through site inspections, including unannounced visits.
Khanbashi began his work at Windward Passage about three years ago, overseeing a complete renovation and upgrade after Hurricane Marilyn. He soon began looking for a name brand with which to affiliate because "what drives this business is great preference."
He said he likes Holiday Inn not only because of its reputation for quality service but because it has "the largest GDS (global distribution system) I know," with up to 70,000 travel agents tapping into the network.
General Manager Hamid Khanbashi says it will be about a month before the 30-year-old hotel receives its new designation.
Holiday Inn has completed 80 percent to 85 percent of its inspections of the downtown St. Thomas property, Khanbashi said.
Once it formally joins the international chain, the 151-room, full-service hotel will continue to be monitored through site inspections, including unannounced visits.
Khanbashi began his work at Windward Passage about three years ago, overseeing a complete renovation and upgrade after Hurricane Marilyn. He soon began looking for a name brand with which to affiliate because "what drives this business is great preference."
He said he likes Holiday Inn not only because of its reputation for quality service but because it has "the largest GDS (global distribution system) I know," with up to 70,000 travel agents tapping into the network.
HARTWELL'S AMERICAN BRASSERIE NOW OPEN
"Hey, made any New Year resolutions yet?" This inquiry from my good buddy Freddy. "No, not as yet. Why? Do you have a suggestion for me?" I replied.
"Well, yeah. I remember your mentioning you wanted to become more health conscious. Especially with what you were eating. So, I think you and I ought to have dinner at Hartwell's American Brasserie. I can introduce you to some of the foods I enjoy, ones that are healthier choices than you have been used to, and the tastes are up to your gourmand standards."
"What's so special about Hartwell's?" I asked.
That's when I got the lowdown on one of St. Thomas' recently opened owner/chef restaurants.
Here's the gist of what Freddy had to say. And believe me, if Freddy says it's healthy, he should know. He is a local alternative medicine practitioner and a vegetarian, so I generally trust his judgment.
Tom Hartwell and his wife, Terry Rahm, took over the Old Stone Farmhouse, and after remodeling the kitchen and dining rooms, opened for business on Dec. 4.
According to Terry, the menu is composed of "Good country farmhouse food. In keeping with the name of our place, we offer classic service in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with the standard American fare of fish, fowl and meat dishes, we serve a wide selection of vegetarian meals. Thus the name, Hartwell's American Brasserie."
Tom Hartwell has been a chef on St. Thomas for the past seven years. Some of you may know him from Randy's Bistro or the Ritz-Carlton, among others. He was also on the 1995 Caribbean Culinary Olympics Team which won seven gold medals, the highest score ever in this competition.
His training took place on the mainland, with externships in Europe. Terry, who is a vegan herself, says that the vegetarian items are indicated on the menu as being vegan or regular vegetarian dishes.
Since I didn't know what a vegan was, I asked Dr. Freddy.
"It is someone who does not eat any food made from animal products. No dairy, no eggs, etc. Strictly plant or plant product-based foods."
"But I don't know if I want to change my eating habits that drastically," I told him.
"Not to worry. They have a great rainbow trout entree I know you would like. Fish is usually your first choice, right?"
"Sure, but I like meat and potato delicacies too," I reminded him.
"These they do with the same elegance of preparation as all their dishes." he assured me.
"Including pates, shrimp or escargot?" I inquired.
"Yes, all their offerings are outstanding."
"So Freddy, what you're saying is that this restaurant offers a variety of choices so neither of us has to compromise our preferred favorites?"
"Exactly what I'm saying. Shall we call and make a reservation?"
"What? You haven't dialed yet?" I asked.
Hartwell's is available for dinner Wednesday to Sunday only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices for appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrees from $15 to $22.
One recent special that most likely will become a regular choice is an excellent eggplant caponata (vegan style). This entree preceded by a stuffed pepper of grilled, marinated tofu should delight any palate.
As yet, they do not offer any entertainment, but will do so in the future.
If you call 777-6277 for reservations, you just might find Freddy and me dining beside you. It looks like a happier and healthier New Year after all!
"Well, yeah. I remember your mentioning you wanted to become more health conscious. Especially with what you were eating. So, I think you and I ought to have dinner at Hartwell's American Brasserie. I can introduce you to some of the foods I enjoy, ones that are healthier choices than you have been used to, and the tastes are up to your gourmand standards."
"What's so special about Hartwell's?" I asked.
That's when I got the lowdown on one of St. Thomas' recently opened owner/chef restaurants.
Here's the gist of what Freddy had to say. And believe me, if Freddy says it's healthy, he should know. He is a local alternative medicine practitioner and a vegetarian, so I generally trust his judgment.
Tom Hartwell and his wife, Terry Rahm, took over the Old Stone Farmhouse, and after remodeling the kitchen and dining rooms, opened for business on Dec. 4.
According to Terry, the menu is composed of "Good country farmhouse food. In keeping with the name of our place, we offer classic service in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with the standard American fare of fish, fowl and meat dishes, we serve a wide selection of vegetarian meals. Thus the name, Hartwell's American Brasserie."
Tom Hartwell has been a chef on St. Thomas for the past seven years. Some of you may know him from Randy's Bistro or the Ritz-Carlton, among others. He was also on the 1995 Caribbean Culinary Olympics Team which won seven gold medals, the highest score ever in this competition.
His training took place on the mainland, with externships in Europe. Terry, who is a vegan herself, says that the vegetarian items are indicated on the menu as being vegan or regular vegetarian dishes.
Since I didn't know what a vegan was, I asked Dr. Freddy.
"It is someone who does not eat any food made from animal products. No dairy, no eggs, etc. Strictly plant or plant product-based foods."
"But I don't know if I want to change my eating habits that drastically," I told him.
"Not to worry. They have a great rainbow trout entree I know you would like. Fish is usually your first choice, right?"
"Sure, but I like meat and potato delicacies too," I reminded him.
"These they do with the same elegance of preparation as all their dishes." he assured me.
"Including pates, shrimp or escargot?" I inquired.
"Yes, all their offerings are outstanding."
"So Freddy, what you're saying is that this restaurant offers a variety of choices so neither of us has to compromise our preferred favorites?"
"Exactly what I'm saying. Shall we call and make a reservation?"
"What? You haven't dialed yet?" I asked.
Hartwell's is available for dinner Wednesday to Sunday only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices for appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrees from $15 to $22.
One recent special that most likely will become a regular choice is an excellent eggplant caponata (vegan style). This entree preceded by a stuffed pepper of grilled, marinated tofu should delight any palate.
As yet, they do not offer any entertainment, but will do so in the future.
If you call 777-6277 for reservations, you just might find Freddy and me dining beside you. It looks like a happier and healthier New Year after all!
HARTWELL'S AMERICAN BRASSERIE
"Hey, made any New Year resolutions yet?" This inquiry from my good buddy Freddy. "No, not as yet. Why? Do you have a suggestion for me?" I replied.
"Well, yeah. I remember your mentioning you wanted to become more health conscious. Especially with what you were eating. So, I think you and I ought to have dinner at Hartwell's American Brasserie. I can introduce you to some of the foods I enjoy, ones that are healthier choices than you have been used to, and the tastes are up to your gourmand standards."
"What's so special about Hartwell's?" I asked.
That's when I got the lowdown on one of St. Thomas' recently opened owner/chef restaurants.
Here's the gist of what Freddy had to say. And believe me, if Freddy says it's healthy, he should know. He is a local alternative medicine practitioner and a vegetarian, so I generally trust his judgment.
Tom Hartwell and his wife, Terry Rahm, took over the Old Stone Farmhouse, and after remodeling the kitchen and dining rooms, opened for business on Dec. 4.
According to Terry, the menu is composed of "Good country farmhouse food. In keeping with the name of our place, we offer classic service in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with the standard American fare of fish, fowl and meat dishes, we serve a wide selection of vegetarian meals. Thus the name, Hartwell's American Brasserie."
Tom Hartwell has been a chef on St. Thomas for the past seven years. Some of you may know him from Randy's Bistro or the Ritz-Carlton, among others. He was also on the 1995 Caribbean Culinary Olympics Team which won seven gold medals, the highest score ever in this competition.
His training took place on the mainland, with externships in Europe. Terry, who is a vegan herself, says that the vegetarian items are indicated on the menu as being vegan or regular vegetarian dishes.
Since I didn't know what a vegan was, I asked Dr. Freddy.
"It is someone who does not eat any food made from animal products. No dairy, no eggs, etc. Strictly plant or plant product-based foods."
"But I don't know if I want to change my eating habits that drastically," I told him.
"Not to worry. They have a great rainbow trout entree I know you would like. Fish is usually your first choice, right?"
"Sure, but I like meat and potato delicacies too," I reminded him.
"These they do with the same elegance of preparation as all their dishes." he assured me.
"Including pates, shrimp or escargot?" I inquired.
"Yes, all their offerings are outstanding."
"So Freddy, what you're saying is that this restaurant offers a variety of choices so neither of us has to compromise our preferred favorites?"
"Exactly what I'm saying. Shall we call and make a reservation?"
"What? You haven't dialed yet?" I asked.
Hartwell's is available for dinner Wednesday to Sunday only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices for appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrees from $15 to $22.
One recent special that most likely will become a regular choice is an excellent eggplant caponata (vegan style). This entree preceded by a stuffed pepper of grilled, marinated tofu should delight any palate.
As yet, they do not offer any entertainment, but will do so in the future.
If you call 777-6277 for reservations, you just might find Freddy and me dining beside you. It looks like a happier and healthier New Year after all!
"Well, yeah. I remember your mentioning you wanted to become more health conscious. Especially with what you were eating. So, I think you and I ought to have dinner at Hartwell's American Brasserie. I can introduce you to some of the foods I enjoy, ones that are healthier choices than you have been used to, and the tastes are up to your gourmand standards."
"What's so special about Hartwell's?" I asked.
That's when I got the lowdown on one of St. Thomas' recently opened owner/chef restaurants.
Here's the gist of what Freddy had to say. And believe me, if Freddy says it's healthy, he should know. He is a local alternative medicine practitioner and a vegetarian, so I generally trust his judgment.
Tom Hartwell and his wife, Terry Rahm, took over the Old Stone Farmhouse, and after remodeling the kitchen and dining rooms, opened for business on Dec. 4.
According to Terry, the menu is composed of "Good country farmhouse food. In keeping with the name of our place, we offer classic service in an unpretentious atmosphere. Along with the standard American fare of fish, fowl and meat dishes, we serve a wide selection of vegetarian meals. Thus the name, Hartwell's American Brasserie."
Tom Hartwell has been a chef on St. Thomas for the past seven years. Some of you may know him from Randy's Bistro or the Ritz-Carlton, among others. He was also on the 1995 Caribbean Culinary Olympics Team which won seven gold medals, the highest score ever in this competition.
His training took place on the mainland, with externships in Europe. Terry, who is a vegan herself, says that the vegetarian items are indicated on the menu as being vegan or regular vegetarian dishes.
Since I didn't know what a vegan was, I asked Dr. Freddy.
"It is someone who does not eat any food made from animal products. No dairy, no eggs, etc. Strictly plant or plant product-based foods."
"But I don't know if I want to change my eating habits that drastically," I told him.
"Not to worry. They have a great rainbow trout entree I know you would like. Fish is usually your first choice, right?"
"Sure, but I like meat and potato delicacies too," I reminded him.
"These they do with the same elegance of preparation as all their dishes." he assured me.
"Including pates, shrimp or escargot?" I inquired.
"Yes, all their offerings are outstanding."
"So Freddy, what you're saying is that this restaurant offers a variety of choices so neither of us has to compromise our preferred favorites?"
"Exactly what I'm saying. Shall we call and make a reservation?"
"What? You haven't dialed yet?" I asked.
Hartwell's is available for dinner Wednesday to Sunday only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Prices for appetizers range from $7 to $10, and entrees from $15 to $22.
One recent special that most likely will become a regular choice is an excellent eggplant caponata (vegan style). This entree preceded by a stuffed pepper of grilled, marinated tofu should delight any palate.
As yet, they do not offer any entertainment, but will do so in the future.
If you call 777-6277 for reservations, you just might find Freddy and me dining beside you. It looks like a happier and healthier New Year after all!
FAGIOLI, ISLAND'S NEWEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Like me, many of you were probably wondering what was happening down on the Waterfront at the location vacated by CafeSito. Curiosity got the better of me, so I went to find out.
Fagioli, the newest Italian restaurant on St. Thomas, is owned by Chef Patricio Segredo. The first thing I asked Patricio was what the name meant.
In Italian fagioli means "bean." But it also has a colloquial meaning of "make it good." And good he has made it.
Trained by his Italian mother and grandmother, Patricio's recipes have the subtle flavorings of his Chilean homeland.
All of his pastas are homemade, just like his mother taught him. His favorite is Lasagna alla Vegetariana, a spinach lasagne with roasted eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, yellow squash, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese.
His favorite seafood selection? The Pesce del Giorno (Fish of the Day). You see, Sagredo only serves fresh fish. To ensure the freshness of his fish dishes, he prepares them only as daily specials.
His personal choice is Chilean Sea Bass with Crab Meat in a Tomato Ragu, served with pureed carrots and sauteed spinach.
According to Patricio, all portions for dinner are large.
"After working eight to nine hours, people want a big meal," he said.
However his lunch portions are smaller because people are generally in a bit of a hurry to get back to work.
All of his offerings can be complemented with a selection from his medium- priced wine list. He carries wines from France, Italy, Chile, Australia and California. Among his champagnes he lists Dom Perignon.
Fagioli's warm, Mediterranean ambiance is evident from the first step into this charming restaurant. The view of our own harbor only enhances the fantasy.
Fagioli is open Monday to Saturday for lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Live musical entertainment is on hand during dinner hours on Friday and Saturday.
Lunch prices range from $7 – $14, and dinner from $12 – $20.
For reservations for four or more, call 777-8116.
Fagioli, the newest Italian restaurant on St. Thomas, is owned by Chef Patricio Segredo. The first thing I asked Patricio was what the name meant.
In Italian fagioli means "bean." But it also has a colloquial meaning of "make it good." And good he has made it.
Trained by his Italian mother and grandmother, Patricio's recipes have the subtle flavorings of his Chilean homeland.
All of his pastas are homemade, just like his mother taught him. His favorite is Lasagna alla Vegetariana, a spinach lasagne with roasted eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, yellow squash, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes and cheese.
His favorite seafood selection? The Pesce del Giorno (Fish of the Day). You see, Sagredo only serves fresh fish. To ensure the freshness of his fish dishes, he prepares them only as daily specials.
His personal choice is Chilean Sea Bass with Crab Meat in a Tomato Ragu, served with pureed carrots and sauteed spinach.
According to Patricio, all portions for dinner are large.
"After working eight to nine hours, people want a big meal," he said.
However his lunch portions are smaller because people are generally in a bit of a hurry to get back to work.
All of his offerings can be complemented with a selection from his medium- priced wine list. He carries wines from France, Italy, Chile, Australia and California. Among his champagnes he lists Dom Perignon.
Fagioli's warm, Mediterranean ambiance is evident from the first step into this charming restaurant. The view of our own harbor only enhances the fantasy.
Fagioli is open Monday to Saturday for lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Live musical entertainment is on hand during dinner hours on Friday and Saturday.
Lunch prices range from $7 – $14, and dinner from $12 – $20.
For reservations for four or more, call 777-8116.
EDWIDGE DANTICAT, A NOVELIST WORTH READING
When she was 12, she moved from her native Haiti to the United States.
At 25 her first novel, "Breath, Eyes, Memory," was published. This was soon followed by Krik? Krak!, a story collection that was nominated for the National Book Award.
By age 30, "The Farming of Bones," her third novel, was climbing the best seller list.
So who is this young woman with such a mature voice? Her name is Edwidge Danticat.
A graduate of Barnard College with a Masters of Fine Arts from Brown University, Danticat was named as one of the 20 "Best Young American Novelists" by Granta in 1996. She is also a recipient of a Lila Wallace-Readers Digest Foundation grant.
After reading two of her books, it is easy to understand how Danticat received such early acclaim. "Breath, Eyes, Memory" begins in Haiti. Sophie Caco is preparing for her journey to New York City, where she will be reunited with her mother. Aunt Atie, who has raised her since infancy, is helping her come to terms with why she must leave the only home she has ever known and live with a woman she barely remembers.
However, Sophie's real journey begins with relearning what it is to be a daughter. As she travels along the road from childhood to motherhood, we shares the secrets of her family and the political violence of the world she was born into.
Along the way we are introduced to the Haitian culture, traditions and to a country that is as beautiful as it is dangerous. We become involved with the conflicts between her two sets of beliefs and her struggle to make them one. Danticat's third novel is also set in this politically scarred, supernatural region. "The Farming of Bones" is a fictional account, based on history, told to us by a Haitian orphan.
Amabelle grew up in the Dominican household of wealthy landowner Don Ingacio as a servant to his daughter, Valencia. Her saga begins just prior to the 1937 massacre of Haitian immigrants by the military forces of President Trujillo.
Through Amabelle's eyes we experience this modern chapter of Caribbean history. We live with her through the indignity and barbarity of one people against another. We also learn about love, endurance and possibilities of a given lifetime. Again, Danticat paints a picture with her words that is intriguing and inspiring. It is a beautiful narrative of survival in a harsh environment. Both novels are a tribute to the strength and wisdom of Haitian women and to her native Haiti.
At 25 her first novel, "Breath, Eyes, Memory," was published. This was soon followed by Krik? Krak!, a story collection that was nominated for the National Book Award.
By age 30, "The Farming of Bones," her third novel, was climbing the best seller list.
So who is this young woman with such a mature voice? Her name is Edwidge Danticat.
A graduate of Barnard College with a Masters of Fine Arts from Brown University, Danticat was named as one of the 20 "Best Young American Novelists" by Granta in 1996. She is also a recipient of a Lila Wallace-Readers Digest Foundation grant.
After reading two of her books, it is easy to understand how Danticat received such early acclaim. "Breath, Eyes, Memory" begins in Haiti. Sophie Caco is preparing for her journey to New York City, where she will be reunited with her mother. Aunt Atie, who has raised her since infancy, is helping her come to terms with why she must leave the only home she has ever known and live with a woman she barely remembers.
However, Sophie's real journey begins with relearning what it is to be a daughter. As she travels along the road from childhood to motherhood, we shares the secrets of her family and the political violence of the world she was born into.
Along the way we are introduced to the Haitian culture, traditions and to a country that is as beautiful as it is dangerous. We become involved with the conflicts between her two sets of beliefs and her struggle to make them one. Danticat's third novel is also set in this politically scarred, supernatural region. "The Farming of Bones" is a fictional account, based on history, told to us by a Haitian orphan.
Amabelle grew up in the Dominican household of wealthy landowner Don Ingacio as a servant to his daughter, Valencia. Her saga begins just prior to the 1937 massacre of Haitian immigrants by the military forces of President Trujillo.
Through Amabelle's eyes we experience this modern chapter of Caribbean history. We live with her through the indignity and barbarity of one people against another. We also learn about love, endurance and possibilities of a given lifetime. Again, Danticat paints a picture with her words that is intriguing and inspiring. It is a beautiful narrative of survival in a harsh environment. Both novels are a tribute to the strength and wisdom of Haitian women and to her native Haiti.
