Lennie Little-White had a lot of time to contemplate while recuperating from a sensitive surgery six years ago. Encouraged by psychoanalyst Dr Fred Hickling to write daily as part of his recovery, the film-maker heeded that advice and became a prolific jotter.

Some of those musings are in Pathways, his first book, which was officially launched on September 7 at the S Hotel in New Kingston. Many of his friends who saw those jottings before publication attended the event.

The 78-year-old Little-White likened the release of Pathways to giving birth.

“While l can never be a woman, the event was akin to me delivering a baby, albeit a wash-belly (last child) at that. It compares with the premiere of my first theatrical movie, Children of Babylon, in 1980,” he told Observer Online. “What started as mental therapy after a major operation in 2019 has found favour with my family and friends.”

Little-White underwent brain surgery to correct partial facial muscular paralysis. It resulted in his speech being slurred and his facial features contorted.

Dr Leachim Semaj, Little-White’s friend of over 50 years, helped him through that challenging period. The respected psychologist was also the guest speaker at the launch.

Semaj told the packed hall that even in the era of social media, the book holds a special place in society. He called on people to write their own pathways and document their lives for posterity.

Little-White attended Cornwall College in his native St James and Jamaica College in Kingston. He returned to Jamaica in 1973 after studying film at Ryerson Polytechnic University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) in Canada and Northwestern University in Chicago.

Children of Babylon, which starred Leonie Forbes and Bob Andy, came out in 1980. Little-White is best known for writing and producing Royal Palm Estate, a popular soap opera that ran for over 20 seasons on CVM Television.

Janet Silvera was compere for last Sunday’s launch, which was attended by Chris Issa of the S Hotel, businessman Carlysle Hudson, broadcaster Elaine Wint, visual artist Joshua Higgins, financier Richard Burgher, music business insiders Odessa Chambers and Clyde McKenzie, former director of tourism Carole Guntley, and public relations specialist Carmen Patterson. Saxophonist Dean Fraser and keyboardist Chris McFarlane provided music.

— Howard Campbell