London: Book by Caribbean Archbishop launched at Carlton Club

There was more than a touch of Caribbean sunshine at the Carlton Club in London last week, when Archbishop Robert Rivas, Archbishop of Castries, arrived for the launch his book 'How Beautiful the Valley', which has been sponsored by the Constantinian Order.

While many tourists visit the islands of Trinidad, St Vincent and St Lucia, few venture inland to experience the lush valleys with their stunning flora and fauna; the long- established communities with their stories, strong faith and traditions.

The book is a compilation of many years' work. At one point Archbishop Robert went up in a helicopter with a photographer capturing images of the valleys. "The views were breathtaking" he said. "We are a poor country but we are surrounded by such beauty."

With stunning photographs, stories, songs and prayers, the Archbishop's new book will transport readers again and again to this little-known Eden.

During the presentation, Archbishop Rivas sang a few verses from a hymn. He was then joined by one of his London-based cousins in a hymn of praise.

A native of Arouca, Trinidad, Archbishop Rivas was ordained in 1971. After 17 years as a priest in Trinidad, he became Bishop of Kingstown in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1990 - the first Caribbean-born Dominican to become a bishop in the West Indies. In 2004 he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bridgetown, Barbados. In 2008, he was consecrated Archbishop of Castries.

Throughout his ministry Archbishop Robert has always been very involved with youth work - establishing the Caribbean's own Youth Gathering - a mini World Youth Day - held on a different island each year. He told ICN: "Every priest should give time to young people. It's very enriching for the community and they keep you young too!"

Archbishop Robert Rivas was recently appointed Constantinian Prior of the new Caribbean delegation to the Caribbean. During the evening it was announced that the Order will be sponsoring restoration work on a number of churches in his archdiocese.

Among the distinguished attendees at the launch were: Sir Anthony Bailey, KGCN, OBE, GCSS and Lady Bailey, HSH Princess Marie-Therese von Hohenberg; Mgr Vincent Brady, KGCO; HE Mr Ceno Lewis, High Commissioner for St Vincent and the Grenadine; HE Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda and Lady Williams; Canon Christopher Tuckwell from Westminster Cathedral and Mr Kevin Grant KMCO, KFO.

How Beautiful the Valley (ISBN 978 085244 857 1) is published by Gracewing and available from all good bookshops and can be bought on-line here: www.gracewing.co.uk/page531.html