KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging author Onecia Gayle officially launched her debut novel, Cream of the Crop: The Boy, A Dream and A Jamaican Legend, on Saturday, June 27, during an event at the National Gallery of Jamaica, unveiling a historical fiction work that reimagines the life and legacy of Jamaica’s first Black millionaire, George Stiebel.

The launch, supported by Worthy Park Estate, marked the culmination of nearly two years of research, writing and self-publishing by Gayle, who is also known as “The Jamaican Pencil Chef.” The novel combines history with a time-travelling adventure in an effort to introduce younger readers to one of Jamaica’s most influential historical figures.

Jamaican Pencil Chef and author of Cream of the Crop: The Boy, A Dream and A Jamaican Legend shares a moment with the audience during her book launch on June 20 at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

Speaking at the launch, Worthy Park Estate Marketing Manager Tamika West said the company was eager to support Gayle’s vision, describing the project as one that aligns with the company’s own story of resilience and ambition.

“To see her have a dream and bring it all the way to fruition is a reflection of what Worthy Park is about,” West said.

Accountant Chantal Garriques (left) and Chartered Accountant Jadanne Jackson (right) enjoyed a first look at Cream of the Crop: The Boy, A Dream and A Jamaican Legend during the kook launch on June 20 at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

She praised Gayle for contributing to Jamaica’s literary landscape, adding that the novel demonstrates that storytelling and reading continue to play an important role in preserving the country’s cultural identity.

“She is a future storyteller of the next generation of storytellers here in Jamaica. Reading is not a dying art, culture is not a dying art, it is something to be celebrated,” West added.

Jamaican Pencil Chef and author of Cream of the Crop: The Boy, A Dream and A Jamaican Legend (left) shares a moment with Worthy Park Marketing Manager Tamika West (right) at the book launch on June 20 at the National Gallery of Jamaica.

Hosting the launch at the National Gallery of Jamaica also underscored the relationship between literature and the visual arts, according to the gallery’s Senior Director, Nadine Boothe-Gooden.

She said both artistic disciplines serve to document the human experience and help shape a nation’s identity.

“The National Gallery was the perfect fit for her launch because, like works of art, books invite us to pause, reflect and engage in the world through new perspectives,” Boothe-Gooden said.

“Tonight we celebrate not only the publication itself but also the courage and determination required to transform an idea into a tangible contribution to Jamaica’s cultural landscape.”

Addressing family, friends and supporters gathered for the occasion, Gayle reflected on the significance of seeing her first book published after starting the project with limited resources.

“Today is a reminder that God can take a simple dream placed in your heart and turn it into something real,” she said.

“Holding my book and seeing all of you gathered here is proof that dreams can come true when faith, hard work and determination come together.”

Gayle said she hopes Cream of the Crop will inspire young people, particularly young women, to pursue ambitious goals regardless of their circumstances.

Looking ahead, the author has set her sights on having the novel included in Jamaica’s secondary school and Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) literature syllabus. She also hopes to see the story adapted into a feature film, introducing George Stiebel’s legacy to audiences beyond Jamaica.