Writer, Independent Blogger, Social Media Activist
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sept. 21, 2014, CNS – Emma Lewis is a writer, independent blogger and social media activist, with wide experience in the field of communications. She served for 16 years as Media Coordinator and then Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica, administering small grants and working on HIV/AIDS programmes. She was public affairs consultant for official visits to Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad. Prior to this Ms. Lewis worked for eight years in publishing, helping establish a chain of retail bookstores in Jamaica. She writes short stories, poetry, a personal blog and a weekly article for the Gleaner Online. She has conducted social media training for several Jamaican entities and serves on the boards of two non-governmental organisations. Born in London, Ms. Lewis moved to Jamaica in 1988. She graduated from Oxford University with B.A. (Hons) and Masters degrees in Oriental Studies (Japanese). She lives in Kingston with her husband.
What attracted you to the Caribbean? The people (and specifically my Jamaican husband – we met in England and came here to live with our infant son). The potential of the people, and the absolute beauty of the place attracted me – and still does.
What brings you the greatest joy? Talking to my husband. Time with family is very precious; we are all very scattered round the world and don’t meet up very often. Walking round our front yard with the dog, looking up at our big guango tree and listening to the birds. Writing, reading, music and films.
What is the best advice you’ve been given? My father always gave me the best advice. I didn’t always follow it. However, I did learn from him never to be afraid, and to stay true to myself.
What is on your bookshelf? Mostly novels from around the world; my favourites being from the Western Hemisphere, particularly modern Latin American literature. Beloved classics such as the works of the Brontë sisters, Tolstoy and others. Young Caribbean poets, and Robert Frost. The A-Z of Jamaican Heritage, by Olive Senior.
What charity do you support? There are several: Eve for Life Jamaica, working with young HIV-positive mothers and their children; J-FLAG, which advocates for the LGBT community in Jamaica; Jamaicans for Justice, human rights lobby group; BirdsCaribbean; Jamaica Environment Trust; overseas environmental/conservation organisations; the JN Foundation, which does terrific work. I support these organisations through volunteering and serving on boards and committees. I also support the work of the 51% Coalition, which seeks to strengthen women’s leadership in Jamaica.
What is on your bucket list? To have some of my writing published in book form.
What is on your perennial to-do list? Writing, and more writing. I write articles for two Jamaican magazines, the Gleaner Online and my own blog. I have also been bitten by a poetry bug since participating in a couple of inspiring workshops here in Jamaica. I have written a few poems under the guidance of Jamaican poet Millicent Graham, and plan to write a lot more. I am working on a collection of Jamaican short stories, which I hope to have published next year. Fingers crossed!
Who are your Caribbean heroes? The women of the Caribbean; Marcus Garvey; Derek Walcott; George William Gordon; Toussaint L’Ouverture.
Who is on the guest list for your ideal dinner party? Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Dr. Jane Goodall; Annie Proulx (novelist); Isabel Allende (novelist); His Holiness the Dalai Lama; David Bowie; Martin Scorsese; Sir Richard Branson; Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), to provide some music; my husband; my son; my brother and sister. Quite a large dining table required, and I think it would be a lively dinner party!
What quote do you live by? All things must pass.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am an introvert. I love to be at home and enjoy my own company.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger? That it is OK to slow down. And to live in each moment. I am still trying to do that!
What would you want to say to the Caribbean about any one of these: Agriculture, Arts & Culture, Climate Change, HIV/AIDS, Tourism? Caribbean governments must face up to climate change as a reality. Stop talking and take urgent and decisive action to protect our environment and embrace truly sustainable development. As Caribbean people, we must adapt to an environmentally aware lifestyle. We have no choice. This planet is the only home we’ve got, and we have been busy destroying it.
Any final words? Living in the Caribbean has been, for me personally, the most challenging period of my life – and also the most enriching. I have gained a deep understanding of what it means to be human – to give and to receive. I am deeply grateful for the experience.
CNS/ml/2014
