A picturesque and creatively transformed section of the Anguilla Public Library was the perfect setting for the heartwarming tributes to Anguillian Culture Bearers, Ms. Lottis Hodge, Mrs. Patricia Adams and Mr. David Carty, and the wonderful array of local talent at the 2019 Malliouhana Poetry Performance Round and Awards.
The theme for 2019 was a “Climate of Courage” and participants and awardees were supported by family, friends and a wide cross-section of cultural enthusiasts at the well-attended ceremony.
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, the annual literary event attracted some twenty-five submissions for the “Poetry on the Page” and the “Spoken Word/Performance Poetry” segments.
For the second year in a row, Alexis Ryan emerged Winner in the Seniors Performance/Spoken Word category with his poem “Sometimes the Welcome Mat is Just an Illusion”. Sharon E. Lake took Second Place honours with “Heroes and Martyrs” and Kissanca Richardson’s “That Girl” earned her Third Place. Kymia Collins took first place in the Junior Performance Category with “Because of Me”, and two-time winner in the “On the Page” Junior category, Savannah Croft, was awarded second place for the delivery of her poem, “Who is She?”
In the Seniors “On the Page” category, last year’s winner Claushaun Richardson took first place again for his poem “Conditions of My Soul”. Ernie Hodge-Carty’s “Excitement Filled the Air” earned her second place, while Sharon E. Lake’s “Life End” was awarded third place. Hyacinth E. Hughes’ touching “True Grit (A Tribute to Leslie) received an “Honourable Mention” Award.
First place in the Junior “On the Page” category went to Sekani Reid for his poem “The Truth Comes Out”, followed by Draidahn Lico with “Stigma of My Soul” in second place. Last year’s winner Rhonica Connor placed third place with “Hurricane Warning”, while Kymia Collins and Alysha Carty received honourable mentions for their submissions.
All the contestants received Participation Certificates, while the First, Second and Third Place Winners were presented with plaques, monetary prizes/vouchers by Committee Members, Ms. Jansie Webster, Dr. Phyllis Fleming Banks and Ms. Carla Harris. The
First Place Winners will also have the opportunity to present their poems at the upcoming Anguilla Lit Fest.
During the Ceremony, the Organising Committee also presented the three Culture Bearer Awards for 2019. In stirring introductions, Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks paid tribute to Ms. Lottis Hodge, while Ivor Hodge outlined the achievements of Mrs. Patricia Adams, and Mr. Marcel Fahie saluted Mr. David Carty on his contributions to Anguilla’s history and culture. Mr. Fahie also performed a drum salutation in honour of the three Awardees. Other performances came from Michael C. Martin Jr. on the steel pan, Lendon Williams, STAGES by Senoj, and the Inter-Primary School Calypso Monarch, Marlon Halley.
The Programme, which was chaired by UWI Open Campus BOT Manager, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, also included remarks by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett who applauded the Committee and the Participants. Director of Youth and Culture, Mr. Bren Romney delivered the invocation.
The Committee thanks and congratulates the Awardees and all the Participants, including Sekani Reid, Rhonica Ann Connor, Alysha Carty, Kymia Collins, Draidhan Lico, Savannah Croft, Hyacinth E. Hughes, Kissanca Richardson, Keanu Belle, Alleyne Patrick, Cardinal P. Connor, Ernie Hodge-Carty, Sharon E. Lake, Claushuan Richardson, Shaquielle Carbonier, Delano Smith, Allyne Patrick and Alexis Ryan.
Special thanks to the Judges: Professor Sir Howard Fergus, Ms. Farrah Banks, Mrs. Aunika Webster-Lake, Ms. Ingrid Fullington, Mrs. Collette Jones-Chin and Mr. Lendon Williams;
Presenters/Performers: Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks, Mr. Ivor Hodge and Mr. Marcel Fahie; Mrs. Channelle Petty Barrett; Lendon Williams, STAGES Anguilla, Crescendo Martin and Marlon Halley;
Sponsors/Partners: ANGLEC, the Anguilla Social Security Board, the Department of Youth and Culture, Digicel, the Anguilla Literary Foundation, Coral Reef Book Store; The Anguilla Development Board, Malliouhana-Anico Insurance, Alliance Insurance, Essential Stationery and Gift Shop, L&J Business Machines, Radio Anguilla, Lloyd Gumbs Photography, as well as all other supporters and friends for their role in making the 2019 Malliouhana Poetry such a memorable event.
– Contributed
