More About Verna Penn Moll
Writing in the UK!
Verna’s first novel, JOHNNY CAKE COUNTRY, found her living in the UK, as a free-lance writer and researcher in Caribbean history, folklore and bibliography, 1990.
She worked with the Clio Press Ltd, Oxford, to research and compile VIRGIN ISLANDS: World Bibliographical Series Volume 138, published in 1991, followed by ST. KITTS- NEVIS: World Bibliographical Series, Volume 174, also published Clio Press Ltd, 1995.
COALS OF FIRE: Development of Caribbean Fireplace, Cooking facilities and Fireplace Technology with traditional Customs, Myths and Sayings. Ipswich, Suffolk, UK: Cedar Tree Books, 1998. Illustrated by BVI talented artist, Joseph Hodge,
THE GENIUS OF THEIR RESPONSE:The Acquisition of Land by Virgin Islanders of African Descent from 1834 to 2000, published by BVI Millenium Committee, 2000; and A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 1943-2000, also published by BVI Millennium Committee, 2000.
(See more about her Published Poetry and newer Poems)
Back in the Virgin Islands!
Living back in British Virgin Islands, Verna was appointed Chief Archivist and Records Management Office in 2004; she organised an Old Pictures Competition and Exhibition in 2007. The oldest and best pictures were selected and SNAPSHOTS OF THE PAST was published by The Virgin Islands National Archives, 2010.
Verna researched and co-edited with Jennie Wheatley, METHODISM- 200 YEARS OF WITNESS, 1810-2010: Celebrating our Heritage of Faith and Freedom. Bicentennial Committee, Methodist Church, 2010.
History, Arts and Culture
The British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA) publishes a hardback annual, inviting visitors to explore and enjoy all the BVI has to offer – from the richness of the culture to the beauty and diversity of the environment. Verna’s many articles on history, arts and culture of the BVI appeared in the publication, from 2004 to 2015.
Some of her pieces were leaders: the historical item PARADISE FOUND in the 2004/2005 edition and THE GAMES WE PLAYED in 2015. Her Arts and Culture contributions include topics like – Sizzling Melting Pot (2006), Our People, Our Poets, Our Authors, Our Artists, Our Crafts, Our Culture (2007), A Show Case Of Virgin Islands History: Artistic Treasures (2008), The Boating Tradition(2009), Cultural Treasures (2011), A Look Back (2012), and Local Celebrities, Fungi Music and other Island Sounds (2013), The Earliest Inhabitants; True Island Spirit; Musical Celebrations (2014)
During her tenure as Chief Archivist and Records Management Officer (2004-2010) Verna created the National Archives News Letter and initiated the Deputy Governor History Awards Programme, which produced several publications for reference and BVI historical research.
She compiled The Records Management Procedures Manual and published a series of Christmas cards, illustrating BVI traditional Christmas Symbols.
A trio, published in two years!
The Environment And Related Topics. Tortola, BVI:Cedar Tree Press, 2014
METHODIST LOCAL PREACHERS IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1858 – 2015. British Virgin Islands: Methodist Circuit, 2015
FUNINTUN’S CHRISTMAS. Tortola, BVI: Cedar Tree Press, 2015.
Describes Virgin Islands Christmas traditions and customs of the 1950s and before, as experienced in the family of a young girl.
Covid lockdown, global pandemic, 2020 yields!
LEAD ME TO THE ROCK. Light Switch Press, 2020.
Verna takes us on an intimate journey of her deliverance from emotional and spiritual doubts and fears.
FUNINTUN’S CHRISTMAS, revised. Tortola: Cedar Tree Press, 2020.
Find out more about Virgin Islands Christmas traditions and customs with additions, for example, reviews given at the original launch in 2015; a geographical note and more…
Hymn Writing!
During the pandemic, Verna also wrote the lyrics of five hymns, with music composed and published by Richard Irwin. UK: Hymns Without Words, 2020. Visit Hymns Without Words to find out more about the hymns and listen to them.
- Scattered, Yet Together
- I am Shaking, Shaking, Shaking Up The Heaven and the Earth
- Lead Us, Gentle Father
- In The Likeness Of God
- Green, Green Grass
Literary Competition launched>
Verna sponsored and launched the Cedar Tree Press 2020 Literary Competition during COVID lockdown in order to motivate and inspire young people and adults to express their thoughts and feelings creatively, while forced to be at home. To find out more about this Contact Verna.