St. Martin Environmentalist Tadzio Bervoets publishes first book

GREAT BAY--St. Martin environmentalist and marine conservation specialist Tadzio Yuko Bervoets has ventured into the literary world with the publication of his debut book, Lamio: Stories and Poems, a 174-page collection of short stories and poetry exploring Caribbean life, history, human relationships and the natural world.

Published this week by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), the collection introduces another dimension of Bervoets' work, which has largely been associated with marine conservation, coral reef protection and environmental advocacy throughout the Caribbean and internationally.

The book brings together several fictional narratives and poems, including the title story, "Lamio," which follows a descent into madness involving several characters.

According to HNP President Jacqueline Sample, the title story is substantial enough to stand as a book on its own.

The collection also includes "Cecile," a love story set in Haiti following the Haitian Revolution, and "Trevor," a tourism thriller unfolding at a beachfront hotel in Great Bay, St. Martin.

The stories introduce readers to different Caribbean settings and experiences, combining elements of history, relationships, psychological conflict and contemporary island life.

Sample welcomed the publication, noting that while Bervoets had previously published individual poems, the development of a complete literary collection had largely taken place outside the public spotlight.

"Who knew, beyond the occasional published poem, that an entire book was taking shape?" Sample said. "The wait is over for those who had an inkling, and the cat is out of the bag for everyone else."

Literary Work Draws Academic Recognition

The collection has also received commentary from literature professor Christina Kullberg, who describes the writing as combining prose and poetry with themes involving Caribbean identity, ancestral connections, nature and human experiences.

Kullberg characterized the collection as containing "dreamlike voices of human and nonhuman ancestors whispering and singing through Caribbean submarine unity."

Her assessment highlights the relationship between human experience and the natural environment reflected in the collection.

From Marine Conservation to Literature

Bervoets is widely known for his work in marine ecology, environmental protection and conservation management, with professional experience extending from the Caribbean to Tanzania and Bermuda.

He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and a master's degree from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

His professional contributions include involvement in the establishment of St. Maarten's Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area, an important initiative aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

He is also a co-founder of the Caribbean Shark Coalition and currently serves as director of the Alligator Head Foundation in Jamaica, an organization involved in marine conservation and environmental stewardship.

Bervoets has participated in regional conferences and international discussions involving shark conservation, coral reef management and marine environmental protection.

Although Lamio represents his first published book, his literary work has previously appeared in several publications.

His poetry was featured in Where I See The Sun: Contemporary Poetry in St. Martin, published in 2013, as well as Writing for Our Lives: A Caribbean Climate Justice Anthology and the Barbados-based literary publication BIM: Arts for the 21st Century, both published in 2025.

The release of Lamio: Stories and Poems adds Bervoets to the growing body of St. Martin writers whose literary contributions explore the Caribbean through fiction, poetry and other creative forms.

The book is currently available at Arnia's Bookstore, located at the junction of Zagersgut Road and Bush Road in St. Maarten.

According to House of Nehesi Publishers, the collection is also expected to become available online through Libros Latinos.

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