The University of the Virgin Islands Caribbean Writer Press proudly announces the release of Bomba: The Story of a Virgin Islands Hero, a landmark new publication by Myron Allick, the youngest son of the legendary Wilfred Elisha Allick, Sr., affectionately known throughout the Virgin Islands simply as “Bomba.”
A revered Virgin Islands mariner, Bomba left an indelible mark on the territory’s cultural and maritime history. His seafaring journeys throughout the Caribbean became the stuff of local legend — stories of courage, resilience, skill, and an unmatched knowledge of the sea that shaped community memory for generations.
Although his life was tragically cut short on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1974, his legacy continues through his family and through the many Virgin Islanders who still speak his name with admiration and pride.
More than a biography, Bomba traces the Allick family lineage from the era of Danish colonial rule in the 1700s through the early years of American administration and into the transformative World War II period that framed Bomba’s seafaring life and expeditions.
His enduring influence is reflected in landmarks and vessels that bear his name, including the Bomba Allick container port, as well as vessels such as the Bomba Charger and the Bomba Cruiser, which once sailed among the Virgin Islands.
The book situates Bomba’s life within the broader narrative of Virgin Islands history, illustrating how families like the Allicks navigated shifting political landscapes, economic change, and the evolving identity of the territory.
At its heart, the story presents Bomba as a devoted husband, father, and son — a man whose love for his family was as steadfast as the tides he mastered. Through vivid storytelling, the book captures the humor, generosity, leadership, and community spirit that made him beloved across the islands.
Endorsements and Praise
Safiya George praised the publication, noting:
“The release of this book is yet another example of the University of the Virgin Islands’ commitment to the Virgin Islands and its people.”
Dean Kimarie Engerman also celebrated the publication, stating:
“This work stands as an important contribution to Virgin Islands history. It preserves a family’s legacy while illuminating the lived experiences that shaped our islands’ cultural and maritime identity.”
Alscess Lewis-Brown, editor of The Caribbean Writer, added:
“This book enriches the cultural and historical record of the Virgin Islands. By preserving Bomba’s story with such care and authenticity, Myron Allick offers future generations a powerful testament to the people of the Virgin Islands. We are honored to have been chosen to help make this project a reality.”
Together, these statements affirm the University’s commitment to elevating Virgin Islands voices and preserving the stories that define the territory’s cultural identity.
Through this deeply personal and historically grounded narrative, Myron Allick offers readers a rare portrait of a man who shaped not only his family’s destiny, but also the cultural memory of the Virgin Islands.
“My father was more than a man — he was a movement, a symbol of what it means to rise, to serve, and to love these islands deeply,” said author Myron Allick.
Book Launch Event
Sunday, May 24, 2026
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Great Hall
University of the Virgin Islands
The launch event will feature a reading by the author, reflections on Bomba’s cultural and maritime legacy, a discussion about the making of the book, and a book signing.
Community members, educators, students, cultural bearers, and families are warmly encouraged to attend.
About The University of the Virgin Islands Caribbean Writer Press
The University of the Virgin Islands Caribbean Writer Press is a not-for-profit scholarly publisher of books. It is the publishing arm of The Caribbean Writer, an international literary journal at the University of the Virgin Islands within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. It shares the journal’s mission to publish and promote Caribbean literature and culture while supporting both established and emerging writers. The imprint’s purpose is to extend the journal’s role by offering more ways to publish, sustain, and amplify Caribbean writing.
