Former Governor General, Sir James Carlisle, who served in the post from 1993 to
2007, has penned an autobiography that chronicles his life from humble beginnings
to ascending to the office of Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda.
Sir James, accompanied by his wife, Lady Emma, made a presentation of the book
to Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Tuesday. He told the prime minister that he
had very good reasons for writing the book. It is entitled ‘A Life Shaped by
Extraordinary Circumstances’ and it traces Sir James’ life from childhood in
Bolans to his journey to the UK and his quest for higher learning, his service in the
Royal Air Force and his decision to study as a doctor specializing in dentistry. He
later returned to Antigua to open his dental office. He was appointed as Governor
General following the death of Sir Wilfred Jacobs.
“I remember after Sir Wilfred Jacobs had passed and I had assumed office, a
reporter came to Government House and queried ‘what should I write about him. I
know nothing of him (Sir Wilfred). I don’t want that to happen to me. This is my
attempt at leaving my footprints in the sand of time,” Sir James remarked.
The former governor general told the prime minister that despite having ‘mobility
issues’ he felt that it was important for him to visit the Office of the Prime Minister
to make the presentation to him in person.’
In response, PM Browne thanked Sir James for the gift of the book and also
thanked him for his many years of service to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
“You have certainly made your mark and it is good that you have documented it as
I have seen too many instances of people trying to re-write history. So, where we
fail to document, we allow for this mis-interpretation of facts. You are from
humble beginnings and have risen to the top office in our country; you have made
your contribution and having it documented is a good thing. What is good too is
that it is an autobiography written by you so it doesn’t get more authentic than
that,” he observed.
The prime minister also expressed the hope that other officials who have made
significant contributions would follow the example set by Sir James to write their
respective stories. “This would avoid leaving the interpretations to others or having
them made the subject of political spin. I must give you credit for having the
discipline to actually sit down and write your life’s work. Others have had the
ability, but did not possess that discipline which is required to undertake a project
such as this,” PM Browne noted.
According to the prime minister, Sir James’ time in office was one of exemplary
work and honour that he brought to the office.
Additionally, both Sir James and the PM Browne called on young people in the
country to look past their current circumstances and to set themselves lofty goals
and to strive to achieve them.
