The birthday girl looked exquisite wearing the same exquisite lace overlay she wore to her wedding 40 years ago. Professor Maureen Warner-Lewis glowed with gratitude as she listened to the toasts from family and friends at her 70th birthday celebration at the home of her daughter Yewande Lewis-Fokum, recently.

It was a beautiful night of memories, laughter and dancing, attended by family and friends. The Trinidadian native, who initially came to Jamaica in 1962 to study at the University of the West Indies on a Government Scholarship, mused with a chuckle that she did not imagine she would have become 'attached' and make her life in Jamaica. However, she expressed joy and thanks to God, her husband Rupert, and her family, including her brother Dr Kenrick Warner, who travelled from Chicago; and her sister Carol Warner, who flew in from Trinidad for the celebrations.

Active Anglican

Having retired in 2003, the professor emerita of African-Caribbean language and orature in the Department of Literatures in English at the University of the West Indies, Mona, now spends her time with family, particularly grandchildren Gianna, Tsenaye and Timothy. She is also an active participant in the Anglican community at the University of the West Indies Chapel; working on an intriguing research project and giving lectures.

In September, she was honoured by her countrymen when she was one of three persons inducted in the Tobago Literary Hall of Fame.