François Duvalier was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti  in 1907. Duvalier was the President of Haiti from 1957 to 1971. He was unanimously "re-elected" in a 1961 referendum in which he was the only candidate and remained in power until he died in 1971. In April 1964 he declared himself president for life. Doc was able to stay in power longer than any of his predecessors and his regime caused nearly 30,000 deaths, but at the same time achieved for Haiti an unusual degree of political stabilization. His story is one that had to be told, in the Island Archives.

Today’s episode of the IAP features a Hollywood star whose face you may recognize but story you may not.

Garcelle Beauvais was born in St. Marc, Haiti, on November 26, 1966, as the youngest of eight children. From modelling to The Jamie Foxx Show to NYPD Blue, Garcelle Beauvais has shown herself to be a star. From not speaking English to Hollywood supernova, her story reminds us that it's not where you begin, it's where you’re, which clearly, makes her an easy choice for the Island Archives.

On this episode of the IAP, we will take a free kick at tackling a story that shows us the importance of mentality in life. Keith “Kayamba” Gumbs. 

Keith 'Kayamba' Gumbs is an iconic national sports figure who features among the pioneers of sportsmen and women who blazed the trail before embarking on their professional path from small islands. 

His passion for the game, distinctive character, and resolve all combine to make him a tap-in for the Island Archives.

Grace Beverly Jones was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on May 19, 1948, to Marjorie and Robert W. Jones. Her father was a local politician and Apostolic clergyman. When she was 13 years old, she and her family moved to Syracuse, New York. Her family were devout Christians, particularly of the Pentecostal denomination, and Grace had to participate in prayer meetings and Bible readings every night. Jones is a superlative creator: a talented model, quality singer and dynamic actress. Her style, attitude and persona have made waves in the creative space and make her a great fit in the IA.

Alexander Hamilton was born in January 1755 on the Caribbean Island of Nevis. Hamilton accomplished a lot in his relatively short life. The achievements that are usually publicized most include his role in securing America’s independence and getting the U.S. Constitution signed; his revolutionizing of the country’s financial system; founding the Federalist Party, the first voter-based political party in the United States; and establishing the United States Coast Guard and the New York Post newspaper. Alexander Hamilton’s story is impressive, not just because of what he achieved but also because of the obstacles he had to overcome to get there. His story is one that had to be told in the IA.

Caryl Phillips was born in St. Kitts to Malcolm and Lillian Phillips on 13 March 1958. He came from very humble beginnings, having been born in a rum shop owned by his mother’s family. Phillips’ work has been translated into over a dozen languages, and he has tackled themes on the African slave trade from many angles, and his writing is concerned with issues of "origins, belongings and exclusion", and his interest is in how individuals survive, or succumb to, historical storms and social pathologies. He has written many dramas and documentaries for radio and television, including, in 1996, the three-hour film of his own novel, The Final Passage. Suffice it to say, Caryl Phillips has made tremendous contributions to the literary world, and his depth and decoration have earned him a well-deserved place in the IA.

 Sir Simeon Daniel is an individual who is considered the father of a tiny island that left a lasting legacy. The Right Excellent Sir Simeon Daniel was instrumental in laying the foundation for Nevis's development, making him a laudable addition to the IA.

Dwight Eversley Yorke CM is a Trinidadian and Tobagonian former professional footballer and current manager of Macarthur FC. Throughout his club career, he played for Aston Villa, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Sydney FC and Sunderland, mainly as a forward, between 1988 and 2009. 

Author and Professor Fantz Fanon.

Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Janelle "Penny" Commissiong was the first woman of African descent ever to secure the title of Ms Universe. This feat sparked a legacy of advocacy and service that makes her a worthy entry in the Island Archives.

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