Renowned Local Scientist Pens Book of Poems

Internationally renowned scientist, Dr. Arnaldo Ventura, has added poet to his long list of distinguished accomplishments authoring his latest work ‘Memories and Musings: Reflections of a Scientist’.

The collection of 26 poems is a homage to the country of his birth, which he portrays as a nurturing paradise, with sleeping hills and valleys, shimmering seas and clear skies, and wondrous flora and fauna.

In My Country he speaks about the natural beauty of the island.

The silent sun slowly rises above the misty silhouette of sleeping hills.
Fresh breezes bring gentle ripples to a shimmering sea so still.
The mild morning stirs the busy banter of feathered folk; and the air is strewn
with puffs of spiced smoke

Glistening dew drops lazily loiter on leaves of velvet green.
All are called to this wondrous scene.
Blossoms of bright hues beckon the birds and the bees.
Here, life romps with stylish ease.
It’s a land where the gods of beauty play and nature has her perpetual way.

Jamaican Mornings captures the splendor of the land at sunrise.
Clean lines of purple mountain tops are now nigh
Red tinged blue is emerging atop them in the sky Chattering birds are wakening the quiet dawn
Another enchanting Jamaican day is born

Glistening dew drops from coloured petals cling Vanishing valley mist the warming sunrise bring
As golden beams pierce serene slumber
Reveal another rising day’s wonder

Dr.  Ventura tells JIS News that the work seeks to highlight the beauty of Jamaica and the importance of preserving the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

Photographic illustrations by his son, Steven Ventura, aptly capture the diverse plants, animals, landscapes and scenes of Jamaican life.

“I consider myself very fortunate to have been born and grown up in Jamaica, one of the most beautiful places on earth and I can state this because I have been to many of the so-called world resorts and none of them compare to Jamaica. We have a [unique] beauty and tranquility and peacefulness in many rural areas,” Dr. Ventura says.

‘Memories and Musings: Reflections of a Scientist’ is a rich tapestry woven with memories of a carefree boyhood growing up into adolescence and adulthood and also details his perceptions of the changing social and physical landscape of his beloved country.

In from A Poor Child’s Paradise there are fond memories of a childhood. Which. although modest, is a cherished moment in time:

Deep feelings with me to stay
Much to cherish, much to say
Needs galore but no dismay
Sweet Jamaica all the way
Until I permanently lay.

Dr. Ventura also fondly recalls his time as a student at Kingston College in School Days

For me school and learning arises from delightful yearning
From the guiding hands
To first write my name
To scientific discoveries, all the same

The memories most to remember
Start in cool and windy September
A boy’s anticipation and wait
To enter Kingston College’s gate.

Explaining the genesis of his poetry anthology, Dr. Ventura says in the course of his travels for work, he used poetry as a creative outlet. The anthology of poetry collated over his lifetime is a juxtaposition of the scientific mind with the creative faculties.

“Sometimes it’s fun when you need a break from hard research work and the difficulties you have in research work. Just as a break, I would write these things down   and I have them scattered, so people would see them and encourage me to put them together. This is my first attempt at doing so,” he shares.

While his work is a departure from his scientific background, Dr. Ventura shares that he uses poetry to express his observations of social issues including crime and poverty, and how the selfish actions of humans are contributing to climate change and the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

This is aptly highlighted in COVID Revelations where he contends that the solution to these and other issues lies in scientific research.

Rampaging infections of man
Has been so since life began
Growth worshipped; people forgotten
So predictable, COVIDs happen
Crowded cities for efficiency and greed
Discount pestilence and many in need
Arrogance and pride
Move science aside
So new illnesses denied
Nature’s wrath inevitable abide

In search for food and space
Make humans a vulnerable race
As overdevelopment causes climate change
So other epidemics will rage
But how, where and when
Depend on the research of all men

Riches in stocks and banks
No stop for COVID deaths in all ranks
Many flaws that keep citizens apart
Reveal fissures of all sorts
Man forced to curb ways to disaster.

Ever the scientist and with a heart full of concern for the well-being of his country, Dr. Ventura, through his poetry, reiterates his call for greater use of science and technology for the development of a knowledge-based society, which he says is a critical economic driver.

“I dare to hope that some of the young scientists that are coming will have the chance to operate in a society that supports science and technology for development and they will be able to make the difference,” he adds.

Arnoldo Khaleel Ventura was born on November 16, 1937 in Kingston, Jamaica.

He is a well-known international authority on the development and application of science and technology for socio-economic development, with more than 30 years of experience in research and development, technological investment and the commercial application of research results.

He is a founding member of the National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST) and served as Science and Technology Advisor to former Prime Ministers of Jamaica.

Notably, he is a former Chairman of the United Nations Committee on Science and Technology (COMCYT) of the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Dr. Ventura is a graduate of Cornell University and the University of the West Indies, and has lectured and conducted research in five universities across the Americas.

Presently, Dr. Ventura is an independent consultant on science and technology.

For more information on ‘Memories and Musings: Reflections of a Scientist’, persons can visit, www.smashwords.com.