GREAT BAY – A unique anthology of poetry is now in the works for the Virgin Islands (VI) (Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke). According to educator Dr. Pat Turnbull, “What better way to mark World Book Day!” than to meet with the territory’s Minister of Education and Culture Myron V. Walwyn to discuss the new book project.
There are at last three international poetry and book days celebrated between March 3 and March 28: World Book Day, World Poetry Day, and Children’s Picture Book Day. “This is a great time to bridge awareness and love of poetry and books in Tortola and in the Caribbean,” said president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) Jacqueline Sample.
“Dr. Turnbull and her team of educators and writers are leading the rally from Tortola to encourage Virgin Islands poets, aspiring poets, spoken word artists, and rappers, to submit their poems to be critically reviewed, with the chance to get published in the book,” said Sample.
The planned collection has as its working title, Where I See the Sun – Contemporary Poetry in the Virgin Islands. As for bridging awareness of Caribbean books, publishing, and poetry among the region’s people, the VI collection will be edited by St. Maarten poet Lasana M. Sekou and it will be published by HNP, said Sample.
With nearly 20 submissions already received, the deadline to email, FB messenger, or mail one’s poems for a chance to get published in the VI anthology has been extended to March 31, “So craft your art and submit your poetry on time!” said Dr. Turnbull.
The publication guidelines can be found at houseofnehesipublish@gmail.com and Facebook http://on.fb.me/1WpstuD.
Caption: World Poetry Day meeting (3/3/16) in Tortola, L–R: Richard Georges, poet and Head of Humanities Division, H.L. Stoutt Community College Dr. Pat Turnbull, writer and cultural educator/activist; and Minister of Education and Culture Myron V. Walwyn. (PT photo courtesy)
World Book Day marked with plans for new Vl poetry anthology
