Members of the House of Assembly Wednesday joined Minister of Social Services and Urban Development, the Hon. Frankie A. Campbell, in paying tribute to the country’s latest literary work, “Revelations of a Silent Heart.”

Written by Mr. Kevin Eldon Cartwright who lost his sight to glaucoma at the age of eight, “Revelations of a Silent Heart” is a compilation of poems and prose based on the life experiences of the author. The book is currently available in hard copy and additionally in audio in order to fulfill the author’s desire to “make this accessible to persons who are blind or visually impaired.” 

Minister Campbell presented Mr. Cartwright and the Book of Poems and Prose to Parliament during his Communication, May 22. House Members joined Minister Campbell in giving Mr. Cartwright a rousing round of applause.

Minister Campbell, who also took the opportunity to applaud the contributions of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and stakeholders who advocate on behalf of the Community of Persons with Disabilities, said in acknowledging the work of those groups, “we must not overlook the contributions that persons with disabilities themselves make to our society.”

Mr. Cartwright teaches the Language Arts Curriculum at the Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind and is a Commissioner with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities; he holds an Associate's and a Bachelor's Degree from West Virginia State University. He held a Book Launch and Signing on April 26 at the Disability Affairs Division, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development. 

Minister Campbell attended the launch, purchasing the first five copies of the new release that were offered for sale. The Minister was presented with an autographed first copy, assuring Mr. Cartwright that he would undertake a number of initiatives designed to help promote the book. The Communication in the House of Assembly was one of those initiatives.

“Several days ago, it was a pleasure for me to receive a copy of the book, ‘Revelations of a Silent Heart’ from Mr. Kevin Cartwright who is in the Chamber today along with a group of friends and colleagues. His recently published Book of Poems demonstrates the tremendous gift he possesses as a writer. His collection of poetry explores a variety of topics, from love and relationships to his personal journey as an individual who is blind and who seeks to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as any other individual.

“His poem at Page 97 of the book aptly describes what we seek to achieve together as partners in the fight for the rights of Persons with Disabilities. This poem is entitled: ‘Achieving our Dream as a Team.’ Sir, we congratulate you on the recent publication of your book and welcome you and other representatives of the community of persons with disabilities to this place today.

“I ask Members in this Honorable place to join me in commending Mr. Cartwright for this wonderful achievement (and) I implore everyone within this place and outside of this place, to purchase a copy of this inspiring and thought-provoking book,” Minister Campbell added.

Mr. Cartwright said the Book Launch and Signing was the culmination of a dream come true and perfectly illustrates how persons with disabilities can make “tremendous contributions to society once given fair and equal opportunities to grow, develop and thrive in a barrier-free society.”

He noted, “'Revelations of a Silent Heart' is the first in a series of books that I have written and plan to publish in the near future. As this is my debut release, I hope that it touches hearts and changes lives in a positive way. An accomplishment of this magnitude is no small feat. It took enormous effort, time and sacrifice, to arrive at this point,” Mr. Cartwright said.

By Matt Maura