From Liberta to Serendipity: Curl Phillip Launches Memoir and Urges Youth to Choose Purpose Over Prestige
Local author Curl Phillip returned to his native Liberta to launch his memoir Serendipity or Design: My Life’s Journey. , a powerful reflection on resilience, faith, and purposeful living. The launch, hosted at the St Paul’s Community Centre, drew community members, supporters from the diaspora, and government representatives.
The evening marked more than a literary debut—it was a homecoming rooted in gratitude and a passionate message to young Antiguans and Barbudans: let your education serve your future, not just your image.
Phillip, who migrated abroad after facing early barriers to higher education, spoke candidly about his journey from humble beginnings to professional achievement in the United States. “When I left Antigua, there was no university here,” he said. “Young people today have the chance to study right at home. The real question is: are they choosing the right path?”
In Serendipity or Design: My Life’s Journey, Phillip recounts his struggles to access education, encounters with racism while studying in the segregated South, and the drive that kept him pushing forward. “Every step, even the setbacks, had a purpose,” he reflected.
Addressing the audience, Phillip warned against blindly choosing degrees based on popularity or prestige. “Business management, political science—too many are graduating into saturated fields with no opportunities,” he said. “Choose wisely. Choose what works for you and allows you to earn a living.”
He encouraged students to explore emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, medical technology, and skilled trades—fields where demand is growing globally. “It’s not about where you start, it’s what you prepare for,” he said. “Education should change your life.”
Copies of Serendipity or Design: My Life’s Journey was sold out during the event, with more to be distributed through local bookstores and libraries. Phillip also pledged to donate copies to schools across Antigua and Barbuda.
Reflecting on the experience, Phillip said his return to Swetes and the support he received were deeply meaningful. “This community raised me,” he said. “If my story helps even one young person make a better decision about their future, then this book has done its job.”
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
I want to commend and congratulate my dear cousin Curl on the publication of his wonderful book. It is the right message for today’s youth, emphasizing self discovery, purpose and making informed choices. It encourages them to embrace their individual strengths, pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to the world while navigating challenges with resilience and empathy. A must read for all.
I grew up hearing about Curl’s journey- So Proud!!!
Congratulations Mr. Phillip! Your story from Swetes is inspiring to so many of us.
Curl’s humility is what makes this so powerful. He’s not preaching, he’s sharing.
Curl Phillip is walking proof that purpose can lead to unexpected greatness.
From Swetes to Serendipity — a reminder that our roots don’t limit us. They shape us.!!!!!!
That title alone gave me goosebumps. Swetes to Serendipity — love it!
This book is truly a remarkable one it emphasizes the need for one to discover oneself and purpose in an effort to make the right choice despite any challenges you may face. It helps me to come to the realization that the sky is truly the limit. So to young ones in particular, as you read, learn from Mr. Phillip’s ups and downs and pay attention to how he over came them. Good luck Curl you did it.
As Curl artfully recounts his life’s journey, I found myself drawn in by his spirit of perseverance and resolve to defy the odds in pursuit of his own path. His journey from growing up in Liberta, Antigua, through his rude awakening to life in the Southern US to his taxi driving days in New York City, were all quite captivating. Also intriguing was the way he navigated the numerous twists and turns while adapting to life in the United States. This thought-provoking page-turner gives one the desire to make one’s own self-reflection and self-discovery journey.
Thank you for being so vulnerable and for letting us tag along on your life’s journey C. M. Phillip.
Be sure to pick up your copy from one of the local bookstores: The Best of Books Bookshop or The Methodist Book Shop.