The highly anticipated Malliouhana Poetry Performance Round and Awards Ceremony was held on May 10, 2023, at the Anguilla Public Library under the theme “Why?”. A large and appreciative audience of family, friends and poetry enthusiasts was on hand to witness the presentations of the Performance/Spoken Word Poets, as well as the celebration all the participating Poets and the 2023 Culture Bearer Awardee, the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre.
The Competition was open to Juniors (8-12) Teens (13-17) and Adults (18 and older). This year there was a total of 47 entries: 31 for the “On-the-Page” and 16 for the “Spoken Word/Performance” categories. The majority of the entries (26) came from Poets in the Junior Category, followed by 18 from those in the Adult Category and 3 from those in the Teen Category.
First place in the Juniors “On-the-Page” category went to Jamyoi Hodge with his poem “The Final Plan”. Camia Gumbs took second place, while Asiya Hodge captured third place. Sakura Davis and Albert Mejai Rey received Honourable Mentions.
In the Teens “On-the-Page” category, Siena Wojack took first place with her poem “Why Do We Ask Why?” followed by Ajani Arrindell in second place.
Hyacinth E. Hughes captured first place with her poem “The Scholar” for the Adult “On-the-Page” category. Jonisha Johnson was awarded second place, followed by Desmond Richardson in third place. Ronald Forde and Jessica Davis received honourable mentions for their poems.
In the “Spoken Word/Performance” round Camia Gumbs claimed first place in the Juniors’ category with her poem “Will It Ever Change?”. Eioliani Mairyshaw claimed second place and Eboni Hodge third place. Ajani Arrindell captured first place in the Spoken Word Teen category for his poem “Gold to Dust”. In the Adult category, Cassilda Thomas-Brookes took first place with her poem “An Obscenity to God; My Apologies. Kiara Battice placed second, and Avenella Griffith was awarded third place.
Each of the participants received a Certificate of Participation and the Winners of each category were presented with plaques and monetary prize vouchers. Those who placed second and third or received honourable mentions also received special certificates and prize vouchers.
During the Ceremony, the Organising Committee presented the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre with the 2023 Malliouhana Poetry Culture Bearer Award in recognition of their contributions towards the preservation of the Anguillian Culture through song, dance, and other performances over the past 40 years. Speaking on behalf of the Group, Mrs. Jacqueline Bryan-Niles expressed gratitude to the Committee for the recognition of their contributions, and emphasised the importance of the arts in education and the preservation of culture.
Adult On-the-Page Winner
The Committee also paid special tribute to the late Professor Sir Howard Fergus of Montserrat, who served as a judge for the “On-the-Page” entries since the inception of the Competition in 2007 until his passing earlier this year. Committee Member, Ms. Carla Harris presented a poetic biography in tribute and Poet Kenneth Porter delivered a special rendition of Sir Howard’s Poem, “Ultimate”.
The programme was chaired by Manager of The UWI Open Campus British Overseas Territories, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks and included opening prayers by Pastor Bernard Joseph, musical renditions by Ms. Amelia Olivacce, Roots Binghi and Bankie Banx. Also in attendance was the Honourable Minister of Social Development, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, who applauded the Organising Committee and the Participants and saluted the Mayoumba Folkloric Theatre 2023 Culture Bearer Awardees.
The Organising Committee has expressed appreciation to the judges: Mrs. Patricia Adams, Mrs. Rosena Brooks, Ms. Ingrid Fullington, Dr. Richard Georges of the BVI, Mr. Felix Fleming, Mr. Marcel Fahiie, Ms. Trudy Nixon and Ms. Farrah Banks. Guest artistes, Bankie Banks, Roots Binghi and Amelia Olivacce. Special thanks are also extended to sponsors and partners: Digicel Anguilla, Aurora Anguilla, the Anguilla Literary Foundation, Radio Anguilla, Trenton Roach, Coral Reef Bookstore, Lloyd’s Live, Kreative Communications Network, Ivor Hodge, Titanium Sounds and all other supporters and friends for making the spectacular evening a success.
The Malliouhana Poetry Competition is organised by The University of the West Indies Open Campus Anguilla in collaboration with the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture and the Anguilla Community College.
Now in its sixteenth year, the Organisers have used the event to encourage literacy and artistic expression, as well as to promote an ethos of social, cultural, and political awareness, by celebrating and paying tribute to local Poets and Culture Bearers.
