Multi-award-winning author Pamela R Haynes was joined by friends, family and colleagues for the book signing event of her latest novel, Loving The Sisters. This was held at the Barbados House London on Saturday, 21st October 2023.
Compere Mr Barrie Thomas opened the event by inviting The Barbados High Commission Diaspora attaché JP Betty Lewis to give the opening remarks, followed by Poet Nina Simão, who gave a passionate performance of her bespoke poem, “Loving The Sisters.”
Pamela R Haynes, a retired Senior Probation Officer in London, has previously worked as a domestic abuse programme facilitator and with survivors of domestic violence. In 2018, Pam was awarded Author of the Year and Author of Colour for her debut novel Loving The Brothers and shortlisted for a BLAC Best Writer award in 2020.
Loving The Sisters is a sequel to her first novel, Loving The Brothers, published in 2018. A book about Love, Sisterhood and Loyalty. Where the Author aims to raise awareness of the different forms of domestic abuse and the role the probation service plays in safeguarding victims of abuse. Stories are written about the police service and other criminal justice agencies, but Pamela felt It was about time somebody wrote about the probation service and the crucial work they do to safeguard survivors of domestic abuse.
Senior Lecturer Charles Crichlow at the University of East London (UEL) acknowledged the importance of Pamela’s work in support of the community, particularly about violence against women. “We are Barbadians and have given over 30 years of public service within the criminal justice realm.” The fellowship was announced at a previous event where Pamela launched her second book, Loving the Sisters, which offers Pamela the opportunity to extend her work into academic research and other scholarly activities.
That night, Ms Marilyn Devonish interviewed Pamela, who spoke of her projects beyond completing the trilogy. ‘My priority is to finish writing Loving The Children by the end of this year. After that, I hope to author a book called ‘The Barrel Child” about those children left behind when their parents migrated to the US, Canada or America and sent barrels home filled with items for those left behind.
Pamela’s stepson, Mr Jamal Haynes, closed the formal part of the event with a piece of spoken word. In her closing remarks, Pamela said, ”I am proud of my Barbadian heritage and so pleased that so many people came out from near and far to support me this evening.’
Pamela’s Haynes books are online at Amazon Waterstones, where all good books are available. Follow Pamela’s book journey on Instagram @lovingtheauthor.
