WILLEMSTAD – Sonia Garmers, one of the most prominent figures in Dutch-Caribbean children's literature, has passed away at the age of 92. The Curaçaoan author, known for her direct writing style and lighthearted humor, wrote in both Dutch and Papiamentu and was celebrated for her contributions to Caribbean literature and identity. 

Born on January 9, 1933, Garmers gained widespread recognition for her books exploring Caribbean culture and identity. In 1981, she received the Nienke van Hichtum Prize for her novel Orkaan en Mayra, and in 1983, she was honored with the prestigious Cola Debrot Prize. Beyond writing, Garmers was also a radio presenter and an author of books on Caribbean cuisine. 

Alongside fellow writer Diana Lebacs, Garmers strongly believed in the importance of national children's literature in shaping a Caribbean identity. Her works, such as Orkaan (1977) and Orkaan en Mayra (1980), tackled themes of coming-of-age, social inequality, and women's empowerment. Her accessible style and use of colloquial language allowed her to address serious topics with humor and relatability. 

In addition to children's novels, Garmers wrote short stories inspired by the oral storytelling traditions of the Caribbean. Her 1983 collection, Ieder diertje z’n pleziertje, incorporated fables and folk tales from Curaçaoan culture. 

With her passing, the Caribbean literary world has lost a significant voice. Sonia Garmers' legacy lives on through her influential works, which continue to shape and inspire generations.