February 1st 2023
From Barcelona to Bouton!
By Keysha Pierre
“Some of the most beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”
This must have been Loverly Sheridan’s after thought, when she finally laid eyes on Bouton for the first time whilst visiting a few years back, to install a “Buddy Bench” at the community's one and only school.
“At first, I couldn’t find it because there’s barely a sign.” she said. “I can see why most people don’t know where it is, but that’s actually a good thing.While driving in, enduring the many potholes, I thought I was lost.” I had the distinct honor of being introduced to Ms. Loverly Sheridan back in 2016, when I wrote a few stories on her vast achievements. These Stories can be found here at MyCaribbeanScoop. Ms. Sheridan has written books such as A Girl Like Me, I am Woman, Tiki-Tok Growing Up In Saint Lucia and Be a buddy, not a bully.
I have always admired her for being a devoted and doting mom, an author, educator, children’s advocate, and founder of Buddy Ambassadors.
I have since watched her evolve, going on to win accolades and awards and also being inducted into the DKG International Society For Key Women Educators.
And through every experience, Ms. Sheridan says that she has learned, “the value of staying true to oneself and their core values.” Her experiences on her journey causes her to live life with more of an open mind and greater humility.
Hence, when I came across Ms.Sheridan’s post on Bouton, and the way she spoke about the small community with such pride and passion, naturally I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about this place. And I know what you’re probably thinking, “How can one be from St.Lucia and not know about Bouton?” You would be rather surprised to find out how many St.Lucians have never been to Bouton or know about it. There might also be a very selected few who have probably never heard of it. Mainly because of the community, being in total isolation and being viewed as “Behind God’s back”.
I vividly remember as a teenager from Canaries, the neighboring village, traversing these roads everyday on my way to school in Soufriere, and every time we passed the Bouton intersection, my peers and I would tease and call it ‘Button’. And sad to say, people from Bouton were regarded as “ An Bah Bwoy '' meaning, they were viewed as lacking in intelligence. And this has been the norm for years. But what can be said today, when we look at Ms. Sheridan, whose family is from the area and who was the recipient of the prestigious 2019 Palm Beach Illustrated Educator of the Year Award. Touché!
When I reflected on my Bouton encounter with Ms.Sheridan, she shared in my sentiments:
“As a child, I had heard mention of Bouton. My Grandad said it was the place where he was born and raised, and where our family land is. I think we visited once or twice as children. I vaguely remember.
What I do remember, however, was that it was, and still is, used as reference to make fun of anyone who was deemed as illiterate or uneducated, because of how isolated and under-developed it was, still is. “Bouton or Button,” is usually used as the butt of many jokes for Saint Lucians.
Ironically, it has produced some of the most brilliant minds, and is one of the most picturesque and scenic parts of Saint Lucia, with the most futile land, black sandy beaches, and has every fruit tree you can imagine. Oh the things we teach and tell ourselves about who we are, and often grow up believing.
We have to unlearn and relearn so many things about ourselves, but it’s never too late. The greatest work we will ever do is on ourselves, and that’s what I’m
working on.”
What also struck me as rather interesting was when she mentioned in her post, “42 years on planet earth, I’ve visited 6 continents, and over 70 countries, and finally, I felt like, “ this is home.” It’s an indescribable feeling. Everything I’ve been seeking, was seeking me.
We had finally found each other.” Ironically, after visiting so many different places, she formed a special connection with the birthplace of her beloved Grandfather, and her ancestors.
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