The heartbreaking story of one family’s experiences with dementia took centre stage on Saturday as author J Shannell Evans held a book signing and talk to mark the book’s launch.

“I’m trying my very best not to be emotional,” said Shannell to her audience, as she went on to tell how dementia had affected her grandmother, her mother, her brother and her sister across the generations. Two of her aunts also experienced dementia. She added: “Writing this book, it was as if when I finished it, a weight lifted off me. I felt it was so important to write this story, and I hope it will help others.”

Readers queued up to buy the book and have it signed by the author during the event – with many also sharing their own experiences with family members who had dementia.

The author was joined by Wence Martin, of the Alzheimer’s Assocation, who said: “Alzheimer’s is the leading dementia diagnosis in The Bahamas - it is estimated that 2,000 Bahamians since 2023, and we know that is a very conservative estimate. When we look at the causes of dementia and whether it’s hereditary or whether there’s some genetic factors, we don’t know – and the experts haven’t proven that there is or that there isn’t a genetic link.”

He added: “The projection is by 2030, there will be 6,000 persons in The Bahamas – once again we think that is a conservative estimate – with dementia. I celebrate Mrs Evans in being able to pen a book and raise awareness.”

Expert Dr Krystle Rolle also spoke to attendees, giving advice on dealing with dementia. “To date, about 3% of men and women aged 65 and above would be diagnosed with dementia, and nearly half of persons living at age 85 and above will be diagnosed with dementia. Based on World Health Organisation standards in 2025, they estimate about 2.26% of deaths in our elderly population are due to dementia.”

She added: “Dementia is a broad umbrella of cognitive impairment. The most common in the world is Alzheimer’s disease, although in The Bahamas the most common is vascular dementia. Persons end up getting vascular dementia through blood compromise to the brain, through stress, hypertension, and diabetes. It involves progressive brain cell degeneration which eventually affects memory, thinking and behaviour.”

Experts gave advice on warning signs for people to watch for, and guidance on how they could be diagnosed and reach out to support networks.

“I do hope this book can make a difference to people,” said Shannell. “Writing it really reminded me of all that we have gone through as a family, things even I had forgotten, and I hope it is helpful to readers who might be going through the same thing.”

The Long Nightmare: My Family’s Journey With Dementia is available in paperback at Logos bookstore in Harbour Bay, and is also available as a paperback or an ebook on Amazon.

This is the latest book from Shannell after having previously published books in a range of genres – including poetry, drama, inspiration, mystery, children’s fiction, young adult fiction and non-fiction. She is also the CEO of Joan Shannell Evans Books Publishing. She now lives in Nassau, and is the chief financial officer at her home church, having worked in church ministry for 38 years.

To learn more, visit joanshannellevansbooks.com.

The heartbreaking story of one family’s experiences with dementia took centre stage on Saturday as author J Shannell Evans held a book signing and talk to mark the book’s launch. “I’m trying my very best not to be emotional,” said Shannell to her audience, as she went on to tell how dementia had affected her grandmother, her mother, her brother and her sister across the generations. Two of her aunts also experienced dementia. She added: “Writing this book, it was as if when I finished it, a weight lifted off me. I felt it was so important to write this story, and I hope it will help others.” Readers queued up to buy the book and have it signed by the author during the event – with many also sharing their own experiences with family members who had dementia. The author was joined by Wence Martin, of the Alzheimer’s Assocation, who said: “Alzheimer’s is the leading dementia diagnosis in The Bahamas - it is estimated that 2,000 Bahamians since 2023, and we know that is a very conservative estimate. When we look at the causes of dementia and whether it’s hereditary or whether there’s some genetic factors, we don’t know – and the experts haven’t proven that there is or that there isn’t a genetic link.” He added: “The projection is by 2030, there will be 6,000 persons in The Bahamas – once again we think that is a conservative estimate – with dementia. I celebrate Mrs Evans in being able to pen a book and raise awareness.” Expert Dr Krystle Rolle also spoke to attendees, giving advice on dealing with dementia. “To date, about 3% of men and women aged 65 and above would be diagnosed with dementia, and nearly half of persons living at age 85 and above will be diagnosed with dementia. Based on World Health Organisation standards in 2025, they estimate about 2.26% of deaths in our elderly population are due to dementia.” She added: “Dementia is a broad umbrella of cognitive impairment. The most common in the world is Alzheimer’s disease, although in The Bahamas the most common is vascular dementia. Persons end up getting vascular dementia through blood compromise to the brain, through stress, hypertension, and diabetes. It involves progressive brain cell degeneration which eventually affects memory, thinking and behaviour.” Experts gave advice on warning signs for people to watch for, and guidance on how they could be diagnosed and reach out to support networks. “I do hope this book can make a difference to people,” said Shannell. “Writing it really reminded me of all that we have gone through as a family, things even I had forgotten, and I hope it is helpful to readers who might be going through the same thing.” The Long Nightmare: My Family’s Journey With Dementia is available in paperback at Logos bookstore in Harbour Bay, and is also available as a paperback or an ebook on Amazon. This is the latest book from Shannell after having previously published books in a range of genres – including poetry, drama, inspiration, mystery, children’s fiction, young adult fiction and non-fiction. She is also the CEO of Joan Shannell Evans Books Publishing. She now lives in Nassau, and is the chief financial officer at her home church, having worked in church ministry for 38 years. To learn more, visit joanshannellevansbooks.com.

Twelve primary and high school classrooms across Eleuthera recently added new books to their reading shelves, thanks to a grant from the Charitable Arts Foundation in partnership with Bahamian publisher Mrs. Teri Bethel.

Because of the grant, Mrs. Bethel, along with her husband, Commodore (Retired) Tellis Bethel, distributed more than $6,700 worth of children’s books written or co-written by them across the island. The books, created with Bahamian culture, history, and geography in mind, were warmly welcomed by teachers and principals, who valued having culturally relevant reading materials for their students.

The Bethels personally visited schools during the distribution tour, directly handing the books to teachers. Along the way, they had the chance to talk with principals and teachers, and spend time encouraging many students, making the experience especially meaningful.

The donated children’s titles have received approval from the Ministry of Education as supplemental and library books. The writing guides and stories combine fun adventures with lessons that help develop writing skills, character, confidence, and positive values. Over the years, some schools and homeschooling families have been using the books with encouraging results.

Parents say the books have helped their children, who once struggled with reading, build confidence and a desire to read. One Eleuthera parent shared that his son “went from barely reading in grade four to reading well and enjoying it,” eventually graduating as the most improved student in grade six.

Another parent said her daughter once resisted reading but now picks up books and reads fluently, adding that the Bethels’ books “helped her tremendously.”

Educators have also seen the difference. Retired principal Shanna L. Johnson noted that the book Courage to Overcome helped a student develop empathy and improve her behavior while also sparking a love for reading.

Teachers have also seen value in Teri Bethel’s writing resource Go to the Head of the Class: Story Writing Tips and Prompts for Young Writers. Veteran teacher Mrs. Celia Imlach called it “an excellent tool for helping students become creative, confident writers.” Other fictional chapter books donated across the island include Trapped on Kooky Island and The Case of the Missing Boat Captain.

For the Bethels, the initiative represents a deeper hope for the island’s children.

“Our desire is to see the children of Eleuthera — the leaders of tomorrow — excel in their reading, writing, speaking, comprehension, and behavior,” said Teri Bethel. “Just as important, we hope the stories they read will help strengthen character and confidence as they grow.”

The Bethels hope to expand their reach to other islands, some of which have received book donations for their libraries. They see this as a good start but recognize the need for culturally relevant books that inspire children to read while teaching principles that promote healthy lifestyles, which can, in turn, benefit the nation's well-being.

This recent initiative builds on their 2021 Book Drive, during which they collected and donated nearly 600 new books from over 50 Bahamian authors for distribution to 17 public libraries across Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, and Harbour Island.

The authors expressed sincere appreciation to the Charitable Arts Foundation for helping make the book distribution possible and for supporting literacy initiatives that invest in the future of Bahamian children.

Twelve primary and high school classrooms across Eleuthera recently added new books to their reading shelves, thanks to a grant from the Charitable Arts Foundation in partnership with Bahamian publisher Mrs. Teri Bethel. Because of the grant, Mrs. Bethel, along with her husband, Commodore (Retired) Tellis Bethel, distributed more than $6,700 worth of children’s books written or co-written by them across the island. The books, created with Bahamian culture, history, and geography in mind, were warmly welcomed by teachers and principals, who valued having culturally relevant reading materials for their students. The Bethels personally visited schools during the distribution tour, directly handing the books to teachers. Along the way, they had the chance to talk with principals and teachers, and spend time encouraging many students, making the experience especially meaningful. The donated children’s titles have received approval from the Ministry of Education as supplemental and library books. The writing guides and stories combine fun adventures with lessons that help develop writing skills, character, confidence, and positive values. Over the years, some schools and homeschooling families have been using the books with encouraging results. Parents say the books have helped their children, who once struggled with reading, build confidence and a desire to read. One Eleuthera parent shared that his son “went from barely reading in grade four to reading well and enjoying it,” eventually graduating as the most improved student in grade six. Another parent said her daughter once resisted reading but now picks up books and reads fluently, adding that the Bethels’ books “helped her tremendously.” Educators have also seen the difference. Retired principal Shanna L. Johnson noted that the book Courage to Overcome helped a student develop empathy and improve her behavior while also sparking a love for reading. Teachers have also seen value in Teri Bethel’s writing resource Go to the Head of the Class: Story Writing Tips and Prompts for Young Writers. Veteran teacher Mrs. Celia Imlach called it “an excellent tool for helping students become creative, confident writers.” Other fictional chapter books donated across the island include Trapped on Kooky Island and The Case of the Missing Boat Captain. For the Bethels, the initiative represents a deeper hope for the island’s children. “Our desire is to see the children of Eleuthera — the leaders of tomorrow — excel in their reading, writing, speaking, comprehension, and behavior,” said Teri Bethel. “Just as important, we hope the stories they read will help strengthen character and confidence as they grow.” The Bethels hope to expand their reach to other islands, some of which have received book donations for their libraries. They see this as a good start but recognize the need for culturally relevant books that inspire children to read while teaching principles that promote healthy lifestyles, which can, in turn, benefit the nation's well-being. This recent initiative builds on their 2021 Book Drive, during which they collected and donated nearly 600 new books from over 50 Bahamian authors for distribution to 17 public libraries across Eleuthera, Spanish Wells, and Harbour Island. The authors expressed sincere appreciation to the Charitable Arts Foundation for helping make the book distribution possible and for supporting literacy initiatives that invest in the future of Bahamian children.

Mr. Maurice Tynes, former Chief Clerk of the House of Assembly, presented Governor General Her Excellency Dame Cynthia Pratt with a copy of his book, 'AS MANY,' a Review of the Bahamian Legislative and Electoral Systems, in a courtesy call at Government House, September 10, 2025. 

Co-Partners of Distinction Publishing House presented Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt with a book, "Leading Ladies," during a courtesy call at Government House, April 2, 2025.   

Pictured from left: Lauren-Ashley Heastie, Sherry Johnson Deal, H.E. Dame Cynthia Pratt, Sherry Brown, and Sandena Neely.