Children who are suffering from Asthma and their parents can now benefit from the information and advice available in the recently launched colouring book on the disease.

The book was launched on May 23 by new author Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Mrs. Gracia Wheatley Smith in collaboration with Illustrator and Graphic artist, Ms. Kenya Jeffers.

Mrs. Wheatley Smith said she was motivated to create this child friendly book to teach young asthma patients to be in control of their condition.

She said “This dream started out with a desire to empower children, who are suffering with asthma, and children who would become advocates, for asthma control.  As a parent I can understand how concerned we get when our children get sick, but more so when they have a chronic condition, and so we want to empower them to take care of themselves when we are not around. This is where I began thinking as to how I could teach both parents and patience to be in control.”

Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, congratulated the author for investing the time and effort in producing a book in the area of health for the benefit of parents and young persons suffering with such a condition.

Honourable Wheatley said, “I am overjoyed to be able to be part of this occasion, on the launch of such an important piece of writing.  It is very important to write and document our legacy for the people of the Virgin Islands and even beyond.  I want to congratulate you for the excellent work you have done in launching this book.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard expressed her delight to see yet another local author launch a book which chronicles various aspects and culture of the people of the Virgin Islands.

Ms. Lennard said, “As usual I am pleased to see the work of local authors who play such an important role in the preservation of the Virgin Islands’ cultural heritage.  They are doing their part in the conservation of our local history, for the benefit of the younger generations, our neighbours and anyone who may be interested.”

The book will be available for purchase at Island Services and in a few weeks, they will be available at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.

The Department of Culture continues to support local authors and develop the Virgin Islands’ cultural heritage and traditions.