Former teacher Oswald Francis shares his literary legacy with new generation at MAC

GREAT BAY--Veteran educator and author Oswald Francis is giving back to the institution where he helped shape generations of students, with the donation of his debut children's book, In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe, to the Browlia Maillard Campus of the Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC).

The presentation took place on Monday, October 26, 2026, marking the beginning of a wider initiative by Victorious Living Publishing to distribute copies of the book to schools and other institutions throughout St. Maarten and the French side of the island.

The donation was made by Francis's daughter, Dr. Nicole E. Francis Cotton, publisher of Victorious Living Publishing, who was herself taught by her father in Grade 5 at MAC. She served as the featured speaker during the school's morning assembly, where she shared a devotional message about contentment with students from kindergarten through Grade 6 before presenting the book on behalf of the author and publishing company.

The book was received by School Manager Tessa Davis-Marsham, another former student of Francis, alongside a pupil representing the school's current generation of readers.

The occasion brought together two former students of the educator, including his daughter and the school's current manager, highlighting his continued influence on the institution and the generations of students who have passed through its classrooms.

Davis-Marsham expressed appreciation for the donation and reflected on the significance of receiving a book written by one of her former teachers.

"As his former elementary pupil, I was honoured, yet humbled," she stated, describing the opportunity to receive the book in her current capacity as School Manager.

She also conveyed appreciation on behalf of the school's management, staff, parents and pupils, extending her thanks and best wishes to Francis.

The donation forms part of a broader effort to make the locally produced storybook accessible to readers across the island. According to Victorious Living Publishing, additional copies will be distributed to other schools, the public library and the prison as the remaining shipment of books becomes available.

The initiative is intended to promote local literature while sharing stories, heritage and values with readers of different ages and backgrounds.

Francis, Dr. Francis Cotton and publishing partner Walton Publishing House expressed appreciation to the MAC Browlia Maillard Campus and the wider community for their support of the book.

The publication of In Emilio Wilson Park with Uncle Joe represents another contribution to locally authored Caribbean children's literature, while the ongoing distribution initiative seeks to ensure that the stories reach a wider audience throughout the island.

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