New author pens positive stories about Overthe-Hill

There is good news coming from the Over-the-Hill community, but far too often it is not documented. Hence, for a few years, former news reporter Hadassah Deleveaux (née Hall) tapped into the large pool of positive people in this neighbourhood and has made her conversations with them more permanent by publishing a book.

The book, “Over the Hill...The Other Side”, is a compilation of factual short stories. Some of the individuals featured have since moved away from the community, but still have businesses there, family, attend church or they were born and still reside there.

“In my book, blood baths, drug busts and poverty, violence and brokenness have been pushed aside in favour of stories that bring to light positive vibes from the heart of Over-the-Hill.

“I’m not turning a blind eye to the social ills that exist, however, it’s not the whole story,” said Hadassah, who herself grew up Over-the-Hill and still has deep roots there.

Each of the book’s stories stands on its own, has its own narrative footing, but what threads these stories together is the theme of the good came from Over- the Hill and still resides there.

“I take readers on a journey beginning with my cobbler at Sidney and Son on Market Street to KLM Designs, owned by a college graduate in Big Pond, who is one of the most creative hat and fascinator designers locally, to two coffee shops - one in Englerston and one off East Street. This book is about community; a few untold stories of the Over-the-Hill community,” she said.

Hadassah, who spent 10 years in news - inclusive of print and broadcast media - recalled when the idea of writing a book first came to her mind.

“I started with a blog, but in December 2021, while in a kitchen, out of no where I got the word to turn my blog into a book. It just dropped in my spirit,” she said.

In the book, Hadassah writes about Stephen McPhee who grew up in Black Village and went on to become a school principal and is today a union leader. She also chronicles the story of former leader of the Border Boys gang, Valentino

‘Scrooge’ Brown, who is now a community activist and has a radio show called ‘Over the Hill’. Further, she took a personal tour and behind the scenes look at St Martin Monastery on Nassau Street.

During the interview process, she said, she got to pull back the curtain on fascinating lives, while in some cases, deepening her understanding of history.

“One of my favourite stories was of Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King, who grew up in Big Pond, sold newspapers to pay for lunch, uniforms and exams, who slept on the floor with his grandmother, but who has such an indomitable spirit, rising to become the Commander of this national institution,” said Hadassah.

“I had unfettered access to this very high-ranking individual, who was surprisingly so candid. He is an excellent example to our youth,” she emphasised.

Additionally, the author noted that conversations with Arlene Nash-Ferguson, who is a cultural enthusiast; Rosalie Fawkes, daughter of father of the Labour Movement, Sir Randall Fawkes; Rosemary Hanna, a preserver of Bahamian history, and Assistant Anglican Bishop Gilbert Thompson, were very illuminating.

“They are reservoirs of Bahamian history. By the way, Ms Hanna is one of those individuals who I know to have been deliberate in exposing what is good and positive about Over-the-Hill through her own book and a documentary. She is in a special class of her own,” said Hadassah.

The author, who is currently a communications professional, said she could not write a book about Over-the-Hill without including a few iconic spots such as the house through Lewis Street where the late American Civil Rights leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr stayed while on a visit to the Bahamas. Also, there is a feature on the Lillian G Weir-Coakley Public Library, formerly known as the Southern Public Library. and a shorter feature is dedicated to the 232-year legacy of Bethel Baptist Church on Meeting Street.

“In fact, there’s also a personal piece from me regarding how hurt I was when my former primary school, Mable Walker, was about to be closed. My love of reading was ignited there. I played on those grounds, skipped through those gates and was groomed as a speaker and future news reporter. I felt that closure. I was sad, believe it or not. I had to dig beyond what was shared via the media and discover what’s in the school’s future. My source gave me good info,” said Hadassah.

Additionally, the writer spoke to what makes her proud of the book.

“I am pleased that some of these stories have already been used in English classes at the tertiary level. I know of two instructors at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), who in the past incorporated them in lessons,” she said.

“I am also particularly pleased that as a two-time graduate of the College of the Bahamasnow UB - the book is now sitting in its bookstore. It’s a good feeling and God deserves the glory.”

For more information, email overthehill242@ gmail.com.