Caribbean Author Spotlight: Conversations with First Time Authors: Part 1

Hello dear readers, 

It's been a while, I know. I have not been idle. I have actually been working an another project the outcome of which I will share with you soon. In the meantime, I'll update you in this way. 

A few persons that I know have taken the step to become authors. Their writing spans various genres and reflects their individual styles. What I have been doing, is interviewing these first time authors. Part of this is curiousity, part pride in them and what they have accomplished and another part for me, is motivation to continue my own writing. Between then and now, I have met so many inspiring authors, whose experiences and inspirations I will share in the upcoming blogs. Below is the first instalment of a series I am calling "Caribbean Author Spotlight: Conversations with First-Time Authors".

This, as you can well imagine, took some scheduling and time to bear fruit. The first author spotlight is Arthur Carr — a multifaceted individual whose experience spans police officer, former environmental scientist, educator, and author of "So You Want to Be a Police Officer." He has nearly a decade of experience with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, alongside a strong academic background—holding degrees in environmental science, criminology, and public safety. He's also worked in conservation, hazardous waste management, and as a primary school teacher.

Career Journey:
Arthur shares how his path shifted unexpectedly from environmental science to teaching, and ultimately to policing. Despite the turns, each career phase offered him a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Teaching, in particular, remains close to his heart.

Why This Guest Matters:
I have a deep admiration for Arthur and was excited and proud to share his work. I chose Arthur to open this series because I believe his story would offer a refreshing take on what it means to serve. It afforded me the opportunity to challenge the one-dmensional view of police officers and encourage young people to embrace non-linear career paths.

I hope you enjoy.

Behind the Badge: Purpose, Passion and the Power of Storytelling.

When we think of police officers, our minds probably drift into not-so-pleasant territory. Some even more unpleasant words may reach our lips as we reacall that one (or more) encounter with that police officer that just raised the blood pressure. It is rare that the public mind drifts to protection, service, pride and duty when we think of officers. But what if we removed the uniform from the equation to reveal a teacher, an environmentalist, a father, and somewhat surprisingly—an author?

This is exactly what I attempted to do in meeting with the author of "So You Want to be a Police Officer?" Arthur Carr. What unfolded was an inspiring conversation about the many pivots that can shape one's life. It was exactly the kind of message I would like young persons to hear —that career paths do not have to be linear. Arthur's professional journey shows that degrees (though he has a few) do not define destinies. 

"Seeing one of my former students in handcuffs was a powerful moment...It reminded me that circumstances, not character, can lead someone astray."

Athur's book began as a humble diary. A journaling of  scattered ideas inspired by workplace conversations that eventually took shape chapter by chapter into a practical, easy-to-read thesis for aspiring officers and curious citizens alike. 

"So You Want to be a Police Officer" sheds light on the realities of law enforcement in Trinidad and Tobago with the aim to correct public misconceptions, prompt self-reflection among officers, and show that policing is at heart about service. 

"It's not just about arresting people. It's about understanding them...protecting them, sometimes even from themselves," he shared. 

Nor dos Arthur shy away from being a working father, while being a creative. He is willing to sacrifice writing so that his family is given priority.

"You don't have to be one-dimensional. You just have to know what matters most to you and build from there." 

This same determination is what guides his writing journey and led to the completion of his second book (to be launched this month). The heartening feedback from colleagues, peers and institutions alike have helped him build his presence one conversation at a time. 

This converstion with Arthur helped me realize that every person— even those in uniform—carries stories. It gave me pause to see that persons can contribute both through service and storytelling. 

You can find Arthur Carr's books at:

PAPER BASED BOOKSHOP- St. Clair, Port of Spain

ISLAND STATIONERY- Woodford and Fanfare Street, Arima

AMAZON-paperback available online

NALIS HERITAGE LIBRARY-Port of Spain

Copyright © Lana. S. 2025