In observance of World Poetry Day 2023, the Virgin Islands (VI) have been urged to embrace its poets and poetry by Secretary General of the BVI National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Allison Flax-Archer who. said the observance of the day on March 21, 2023, encourages persons to understand the importance of poetic expression. Photo: GIS

This year’s world poetry day was observed under the UNESCO theme, 'Always be a poet, even in prose” and was aimed at supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression.' Photo: GIS

“Poetry continues to be a catalyst of expression for our students and it is important that we continue to encourage this type of sharing,” Dr. Flax-Archer said, adding, “We may be surprised by some of the underlying meanings that may be shared through the sound and rhythm in the creation of our students’ poems.”

Dr. Flax-Archer was at the time sharing her experience while visiting schools across the Territory and listening to students express themselves through the different forms of poetry. 

Poet Laureate could be in VI schools - Dr. Allison Flax-Archer

She added, “Within our schools, we have another Virgin Islands Poet Laureate so, let us continue to embrace our poets and poetry not just during World Poetry Day, but always.”

Meanwhile, the Director General of UNESCO Ms. Audrey Azoulay said that every form of poetry is unique, but each reflects the universal nature of the human experience, their aspiration for creativity that crosses all boundaries and borders. This, she said is the power of poetry.

Ms. Azoulay added, “Indeed, poetry is unique in its ability to make sense of the changes affecting our world – to express sorrows, to stand against marginalization and injustice, and to unite cultures in a spirit of solidarity.”

This year’s world poetry day was observed under the UNESCO theme, “Always be a poet, even in prose” and was aimed at supporting linguistic diversity through poetic expression.