Author Jonathan Smith has donated copies of his book Island Flames to the Ministry of Education.

Today he presented Wayne Scott, the Minister of Education, with copies of the book that will be put into middle and high school libraries across the Island.

“I am pleased to make this small contribution to the Bermuda public schools,” said Mr Smith.

“Based on some of the public responses I have received, it is clear to those who were involved in getting this book to market, that the subject matter is of immense interest.

“I want our students to understand the deep racial divide that existed in the 1970s and to understand the progress that we have made since the Pitt Commission. It is important that we share our history with our young people.”

Mr Smith presented copies of the book — which details events surrounding the 1977 riots — to Mr Scott and students at CedarBridge Academy.

Mr Scott said: “On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I wish to thank you for all your efforts and substantial research that has been collected in Island Flames.

“I am looking forward to reading the book. Our students need to have at their disposal books that record Bermuda’s history.”