Programmes — Sir Arthur Lewis Community College

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Author Talks: Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun

The Hunter J. François Library (HJFL) at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) continues to safeguard and promote Saint Lucia’s rich literary and scholarly heritage through its growing Saint Lucia Collection, a special collection dedicated to preserving the works of Saint Lucian authors and publications about Saint Lucia.

With more than 500 books to date, the collection serves as an important repository of the island’s intellectual, cultural and literary heritage. It brings together the writings, research and creative contributions of Saint Lucians, alongside works documenting the island’s history, people and experiences. Among its treasured holdings is a three-volume collection of papers by Sir Arthur Lewis, the College’s namesake and Nobel Laureate in Economics, whose scholarship continues to hold significance for Saint Lucia and the wider world.

The importance of the Saint Lucia Collection extends beyond the provision of reading and research materials. It represents a commitment to preserving the country’s documentary and intellectual heritage, ensuring that the works of Saint Lucian writers, researchers and scholars remain accessible to present and future generations. As books become out of print and increasingly difficult to obtain, the Library’s role in collecting, preserving and providing access to these publications becomes even more important.

The Hunter J. François Library takes pride in providing access to this rich and growing collection, supporting students, faculty, researchers and members of the public in discovering and engaging with Saint Lucia’s literary and scholarly contributions. The collection is accessible through the Library’s online public access catalogue, enabling users to search its holdings and identify resources for reading, teaching and research.

This commitment to preserving and celebrating Saint Lucian literature was reflected in the Library’s Author Talks series on October 21, 2026, when it welcomed Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun, author of the Amazon bestselling book Held and Healed: A Physician’s Guide to Healing the Body, Calming the Mind, and Living in Joy. The event formed part of the Library’s Author Talks programme for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The occasion held particular significance as the College celebrates its 40th anniversary under the theme “40 Years of Excellence: Shaping Futures, Honouring Legacy.” Dr. Beaubrun is a proud alumna of the former St. Lucia A-Level College, having attended from 1984 to 1986, four decades ago. Her return to the institution was a fitting tribute to the College’s legacy and an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of one of its former students.

Her participation brought the anniversary theme to life, connecting the College’s educational history with the achievements of its alumni and the contributions they continue to make to Saint Lucia and beyond. Through the Author Talks series, the Library provides a platform for local authors to share their work, experiences and ideas with the College community, encouraging dialogue, inspiration and an appreciation for the island’s literary voices.

Dr. Beaubrun is a graduate of the University of the West Indies and a Family Physician specialising in Functional and Integrative Medicine. With more than three decades of medical experience, she is the founder of the Rodney Bay Medical and Diagnostic Centre and the Satya Centre for Functional and Integrative Medicine. She is also an international speaker, entrepreneur and bestselling author. Through her latest book, she shares perspectives on health, healing, personal well-being and the relationship between the body and mind.

In a meaningful contribution to the Library’s collection, Dr. Beaubrun donated three autographed copies of Held and Healed. The donation ensures that her work will become part of the Library’s growing record of contemporary Saint Lucian authors and their contributions to the literary landscape.

The addition of Held and Healed illustrates the continuing relevance of the Saint Lucia Collection. While preserving the works of earlier generations, the Library actively welcomes contemporary publications, building a collection that reflects the evolving voices, experiences, scholarship and creativity of Saint Lucians. Each addition strengthens the collection’s value as a resource for learning, research and cultural continuity.

Since the introduction of the Author Talks initiative in 2023, the Hunter J. François Library has featured more than 20 Saint Lucian authors. The series reflects the Library’s vision of creating a space where literature, ideas, experiences and conversations can come together, extending learning beyond the classroom and strengthening connections between authors, students, faculty and the wider community.

Through its Saint Lucia Collection and Author Talks series, the Hunter J. François Library reaffirms its commitment to preserving the island’s literary and scholarly heritage while ensuring that contemporary voices are documented and made accessible to future generations. The Library encourages students, faculty, researchers, authors and members of the public to explore the collection and discover the wealth of knowledge and creativity that Saint Lucia continues to produce.

As the College celebrates four decades of educational excellence, the Library’s work serves as a reminder that honouring the past and shaping the future go hand in hand. Preserving the works of Saint Lucians ensures that their stories, ideas and contributions remain available to inspire generations to come.

The Hunter J. François Library is the principal academic library of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Saint Lucia. Through its collections, information services and outreach activities, the Library supports teaching, learning and research while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Saint Lucia’s documentary, literary and cultural heritage.