Over forty writers and other speakers from the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and its diaspora took centre stage to showcase literature, film, music, and spoken word under the theme 'Unspoken. Unwritten. Unknown' at the 2nd Annual BVI Literary Arts Festival held November 3-6, 2022. Photo: Provided

The diverse programme included a series of panels, readings, films, workshops, lectures and a local book fair. Photo: Provided

On Saturday, 5th November of November 2022, the Department of Culture hosted its annual Local Book Fair and engaged persons interested in Publishing, Poetry and Spoken Word, Non-Fiction and Fiction, and Children’s Literature in a series of workshops facilitated by Yona Deshommes, Ana Portnoy Brimmer, Derron Sandy, Andre Bagoo, Tobias Buckell and Dinah Johnson respectively at Maria’s by the Sea. Photo: Provided

The three-day festival, which was a joint collaboration between the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and the Department of Culture had its inaugural in-person hosting as part of the territory’s Culture and Tourism Month of activities.

Three days of events 

The diverse, programme included a series of panels, readings, films, workshops, lectures and a local book fair along with featured world-renowned writers such as Kei Miller, Tiphanie Yanique, Tobias Buckell, and Desiree C. Bailey.

On November 3, 2022, the Office of the Governor hosted a Writer’s Reception for invited guests, speakers and sponsors. The event allowed for the international, regional and local writers and speakers to fellowship with one another and be introduced to the BVI through local food and music. 

The second day of activities, on November 4, 2022, included a series of panel discussions that centred around socio-political, environmental, film and literature topics. The discussions were hosted at the HLSCC’s Main Campus in Paraquita Bay and ran from 9:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. 

On Saturday, 5th November of November 2022, the Department of Culture hosted its annual Local Book Fair and engaged persons interested in Publishing, Poetry and Spoken Word, Non-Fiction and Fiction, and Children’s Literature in a series of workshops facilitated by Yona Deshommes, Ana Portnoy Brimmer, Derron Sandy, Andre Bagoo, Tobias Buckell and Dinah Johnson respectively at Maria’s by the Sea.

HLSCC proud to have the organised event with culture Dept - Dr Gerorges 

Due to unfavourable weather conditions, the BVI Lit Fest’s Poetry Slam Competition was postponed, however, President of HLSCC and Virgin Islands Poet Laureate, Dr. Richard E. Georges commenting on the initative said, “The College is proud to have organised and hosted the BVI Lit Fest in collaboration with the Department of Culture.

He added, “The festival is essential to the promotion of the literary arts to foster a love of writing and reading, and to encourage new generations of writers in the BVI.”

The event was sponsored by its Premier Sponsor, Unite BVI Foundation; Platinum Sponsor, VP Bank; and Silver Sponsors, Aleman, Cordero, Galindo and Lee (ALCOGAL) and National Bank of the Virgin Islands.

Other sponsors and partners included the Government of the VI, BVITB, the Office of the Governor and CCT.