Author Dr Anderson Reynolds has published his tenth book, which explores the life and political legacy of former Prime Minister Sir John Compton and aims to help younger generations better understand his contribution to Saint Lucia.
Titled John Compton: Power, Struggle and the Making of a Nation, the book adds to Reynolds’ collection of works about the island’s history, culture, politics and people.
The Vieux Fort-born author discussed the publication at a recent book-signing event, where he said he intends to take a break from writing new books and focus on getting his existing titles into more readers’ hands.
Reynolds publishes his books under his Jako Productions, which he says was established to encourage artistic expression and promote Saint Lucian culture around the world.
“One of the chief ways in which I am doing this is through my books. So far, I have ten books all set in Saint Lucia,” he said.
Reynolds holds a PhD in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida, but it was while pursuing graduate studies that he developed an interest in writing.
His first attempt was an autobiography, but he eventually abandoned the project.
“I never published it because I did not think that it was good enough. Plus I was concerned about what it was revealing about my family. So I ditched that book,” he told St Lucia Times.
He later turned to fiction, drawing inspiration for his first novel, Death by Fire, from a real crime in Saint Lucia in the early 1970s. Reynolds began working on the novel in 2001. It follows two boys raised by single mothers who become involved in crime, while looking at issues such as poverty and neglect.
“The murder at the time left an enduring impression on me, and so I created some characters for Death by Fire and used the story of the murder as the end of the novel,” he said.
His later books have explored different aspects of Saint Lucian life, including the country’s social and economic challenges, the history of Vieux Fort, family relationships and his reflections on local politics.
A tribute to Sir John
Reynolds said the idea for his latest book grew out of a plan to write a series about what he calls the country’s “heroes of freedom”. The series would tell the stories of Saint Lucians who made a difference in the lives of others and helped shape the country.
He recalled attending a celebration for Sir John Compton in early 2025, where Lady Janice Compton delivered a feature address. It inspired him to explore the former prime minister’s life and contribution more closely.
“I was really impressed and inspired, and so the following morning, I found myself starting to research and plot this book,” Reynolds said.
In writing it, Reynolds said he made a conscious effort to use simple language so that readers of different ages, particularly students, could understand.
Asked what stood out to him about Sir John, Reynolds pointed to the former prime minister’s strong sense of agency. “Meaning the ability to plan, implement, take action when he saw there was a need for action, and once he decided this is what is best for the country, this is how to solve the problem, he let almost nothing stop him – that’s what I found remarkable.”
Reynolds added that Sir John believed in getting professional advice before making decisions.
“But once he had gone through that process, that phase, and he made up his mind that’s what he wants to do, he really takes the action, and that stood out for me,” he said.
Looking ahead
After publishing ten books, Reynolds said he plans to take a break from writing and concentrate on promoting the books he has already published.
He is also considering a major event during Saint Lucia’s Independence celebrations in February 2027 to mark what he hopes will be 25 years as an author.
The proposed event would bring together writers and other creatives, particularly from the south of the island, and give them an opportunity to showcase their work. It would also be a chance for Reynolds to reflect on the future of his writing and Jako Productions.
