Anthony Gambrill (right), author of the book 'In Search of the Buccaneers', signs a copy for Dr. Swithin Wilmot (left), as Amber Stewart looks on. The book was launched at Devon House on July 5. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

William Cotter, Gleaner Writer

The book In Search of the Buccaneers was launched Thursday, July 5 at Devon House. With waiters dressed in pirate fatigue and one actually dressed in a close replica costume of a buccaneer, the book was introduced to Jamaica.

Guest speaker, Maurice Facey, O.J., chairman of Pan Jamaican Investment Trust Ltd., introduced the author Anthony Gambrill. Mr. Facey also described the book, admitting he hadn't finished reading it yet, but saying it was still a good read. Mr. Facey said the book was written with Gambrill's "cynical realism" as well as being "meticulously researched". Mr. Facey went on to say the book illustrates how the Caribbean, during the pirate heyday, was "at least as wild as the American Wild West".

Before finally handing the podium over to Gambrill, Facey spoke about the importance of restoring Port Royal from its current state of neglect, which is one of the locations discussed in the book. Gambrill then took the stand and presented certain highlights of his book.

Gambrill, who holds a doctorate in history and heritage from the University of England, spoke on certain areas of pirate history covered in his book such as how Henry Morgan, with only 2,000 other Buccaneers stormed and captured the Spanish city in Panama known as El Castillo, the development of the western Yucatan Peninsula, how the English, French, Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish commissioned pirates to legally steal each other's goods in the Caribbean, how Port Royal became known as the "richest and wickedest city in the world," and the roots of the word that become synonymous with the word pirate, the buccaneer.

The night ended with a short question-and-answer session with the author about the book and an informal refreshment break where Gambrill mingled with thosewho attended.

Kingsley Thomas (right) jokes with Donovan Perkins from Pan Caribbean Bank (left), Cecile Semaj and her husband Dr. Leahcim Semaj at the launch of Anthony Gambrill's book. Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda (left) and Michelle Bovell catch up on the latest news