Residents will get a chance to browse more than 5,000 books for sale when a ship dubbed the “world’s largest floating bookfair” docks in Road Town starting this week.
The Logos Hope will visit the territory from Oct. 24-29, giving students and other residents a chance to interact with the international crew and up to 400 volunteers promoting literacy, education, cross-cultural cooperation and social awareness, according to government.
Since the Malta-registered vessel began its tour in Denmark in 2009, it has visited more than 150 ports in over 83 countries and territories, including 16 in the Caribbean.
Along the way, it has sold more than 11.5 million books.
The boat, which will come here from Nassau, Bahamas, will open its book fair to the public at designated times, and the staff will participate in local church services and a community donation initiative, according to government.
Big plans
The Premier’s Office is facilitating the visit, and plans include a welcome reception, a courtesy call on the premier and other government officials, a press conference, and visits by students, non-profit organisations and uniformed bodies.
Also in the works are a Rotary event and a fundraising concert.
“While in the Virgin Islands, our vessel seeks to share knowledge through access to high-quality literature, help by expressing practical love to those in need, and hope by promoting peace through embracing diversity and modelling a purposeful life in and around the world’s port communities and cities,” said Khemraj Lakhan, a senior project manager for GBA Ships, an organisation that operates the Logos Hope and another similar ship.
Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, deputy permanent secretary in the Premier’s Office, said the visit should have a big impact in the territory
“With the support of each agency [involved in the visit], the government of the Virgin Islands will play a vital role in ensuring that this inaugural visit of MV Logos Hope is not only smooth and successful, but also leaves a lasting positive impact on our communities,” she said.
