The ‘Group of Seven’ – the seven Anguillians who attended the 22nd Annual St. Martin Book Fair have come back filled with renewed conviction, literary ideas and a plethora of new friends and contacts.
First time authors Derek Gumbs, Serena Connor, Jo-anne Hodge, and Cassilda Thomas and multiple author Ivor Hodge along with soon to be published authors Rosanna Browne and Susan Hodge participated in the official programme of activities from Wednesday 4th to Saturday 7th June.
The theme this year, “Redefining”, took the attendees on a literary journey hosted in various locations throughout Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin from schools and radio stations to cultural centers and open air venues.
Ms. Rosanna Browne, a regular attendee to the Book Fair over the years, gave it the thumbs-up.
“The 22nd Annual St. Martin Book Fair was a tremendous celebration of Caribbean literature, culture and creativity. From the warm hospitality to the rich diversity of events, the Book Fair was both engaging and empowering,” she said. “The introduction of new books, literary activism dialogues, Kaiso workshop, panel discussions, master classes and open mic under the pagoda added vibrant layers to the experience.
“It was a masterfully curated event that inspired readers, writers, and thinkers alike. Bravo to the organizers, Conscious Lyrics Foundation and the Book Fair Committee, for redefining what a literary festival can be! You did not disappoint! I am refueled with inspiration to continue writing and become a published author.”
Soon to be published author Susan Hodge came away with the reinforcement that “Ideas Become Words… and Words Change the World”.
“One of the most thought-provoking takeaways from the St. Martin Book Fair was this: ‘Ideas become words, words become stories, stories become books — and the right books can change the world’,” Ms. Hodge said.
“The sessions were truly igniting. I was especially moved by the ‘Poetry Under the Tent’ experience, right in the heart of the University of St. Martin. Mappie, who shared her poem in French, reached into my soul — even though I couldn’t understand every word, I felt every line. Rosanna painted a vivid picture of Book Fair 2025 so eloquently, while Jo-anne left me longing to hear more about the curious saga of her errant husband.
“These conversations stirred something within me — a deep yearning to study, to research, to explore Anguilla’s cultural history in greater depth,” she said.
“Dannabang, Ivor, Ronald, Shujah, and Lasana wrapped me in a warm blanket of creativity and purpose. Their ideas sparked thoughts that have already taken root in my mind — and I know they will bear fruit,” Susan shared – herself on the threshold of being a first time author.
“As I stand on the edge of what feels like a dramatic life shift — perhaps even a new career in creativity — I carry these experiences like precious seeds. Seeds of change. Seeds of passion. Seeds of purpose,” she concluded.
First time author Jo-anne Hodge had her beliefs reinforced by the responses of others. “The St. Martin Book Fair was an exciting, inspiring, and thrilling experience. I got the opportunity to interact with other new authors and to learn from those with multiple published works. But what was humbling and yet amazing was that persons were inspired by my own experiences and I never expected that to happen.“
Another first time local author Derek Gumbs also shared his experiences.
“With the advent of technology, and more streams to access information, traditional reading is been challenged. However, the SXM Book Fair demonstrated that, the art-form of storytelling and tradition folk-glory theatre, are ways to enhance and stimulate reading.
“Key also, is writing to relevant and current issues, identifying with the struggles and successes, we encounter.
“Writing in association and not in isolation. Reaching a wide audience and subject matter. Children, fiction, education, politics, religion and culture.
Resect to the organisers and those who made our stay a memorable one.”
The varied settings, locations and interactions made the Book Fair one to remember and carried the theme throughout.
Ivor Hodge, himself a multiple author, said this year’s Book Fair experience was beyond expectations.
“This was my second St. Martin Book Fair and I came away with great new friends and acquaintances, new contacts from as far away as Ghana, and a renewed commitment to keep on writing what I’m writing my way. I have expanded my library, and helped to expand others, like the others I remain committed to one Anguilla having a similar Book Fair because we have so much to contribute. Poetry and Prose are on the resurgence in the Caribbean and almost every territory in the region now have a Book Fair in one way or another.”
“I have seen the support coming from the ruling administrations, radio stations, schools, and the community in both Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin for the Book Fair and it gives me the hope that one day we will experience similar sentiments here in Anguilla,” Ivor said. “I am embarking on a new initiative sparked by contacts I have made while at the Book Fair. I sincerely thank Shujah Reiph and the entire Book Fair Committee for the invitation and the great hosting.”
The Anguilla Writers Association places on record sincere gratitude to the St. Martin Book Fair Committee for hosting its members and providing such an enlightening and learning environment. It was truly a “Redefining” experience.
