Visitors to the Antigua Public Library will be able to use an updated copy of The World Almanac and Book of Facts each year, thanks to a donation in memory of a distinguished Antiguan scholar, farmer, and taxi driver. 

Charles Alphonso ”Evan” Samuel died last December and was well known and respected by both Antiguans and visitors to Antigua. A long-time resident of Sea View Farm, he was the husband of the late Ernetta Samuel and the father of  seven.

 Tourists and Antiguans got to know Samuel directly and indirectly. Indirectly as the farmer who raised some of the most exceptional vegetables on island that they purchased or enjoyed at many of Antigua’s finest restaurants. He was the nation’s first three-time winner of the “Farmer of the Year” award. He served directly as a taxi driver on island, most recently at The Sandals Grande Antigua Resort  and Spa. 

He was a promoter of both Antigua & Barbuda to these folks from around the world. He also engaged them in meaningful discussions because of his scholarly knowledge of history and world affairs. Copies of the Guinness Book of World Records and the contemporary edition of The World Almanac and Book of Facts could always be found next to him on the front seat of his taxi.

 One of the people who got to know Evan well as taxi driver and scholar over several years is Dr. Charles Mitsakos who has been visiting Antigua with his spouse, Stella, and their close friends, Audrey and Jack Pilibosian, since 1970.

A professor at Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire, Mitsakos has always been intrigued by Evan’s detailed knowledge of history, literature, and world affairs. They had many stimulating discussions as they toured the island or when Evan dropped off a delivery of  fruits or vegetables to Mitsakos and his travelling companions.

 When Mitsakos learned of his fellow scholar’s death, he was anxious to do something to honour Samuel’s memory. After discussions with Samuel’s daughter, Barbara Coates, and Antigua Public Library’s Chief Librarian, Dorothea Nelson, Mitsakos agreed to place a standing order for The World Almanac and Book of Facts. Each new annual edition will be delivered to the library in November and placed in circulation to honour the memory of Evan Samuel: scholar, farmer, and taxi driver.
 
http://www.antiguasun.com/paper/?as=view&sun=123146108003192007&an=214959096103192007&ac=Local