Now in its eighth year, the Anguilla Lit Fest not only pays homage to the island’s literary heritage, but is proving to be a gateway for tourists to the island.
The Anguilla Tourist Board and the Anguilla Literary Foundation have both latched on to the annual event, using it as a tool to attract more visitors to Anguilla. The 2019 theme proclaimed: “Anguilla Lit Fest: A Literary Jollification and a celebration of Books and Beaches.”
As was seen at the just-ended 2019 Lit Fest, many of the tourists came as New York Times bestselling authors, debut authors, poets, publishers, literary publicists, literary reviewers, editors, historians, professional lecturers and magazine editors. Coming from across the United States in particular, they mingled with a number of local authors referred to as the “Pride of Anguilla” and took advantage of the beauty, beaches and high-end accommodation facilities offered by the island. They also interacted with local adult writers and with students at motivational workshops as part of their activities in Anguilla.
Speaking at a mass welcome cocktail reception at The Reef by Cuisinart on May 16, Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary Tourism, told the visiting writers and as reflected in the souvenir booklet:
“We are pleased to have you join us for this one-of-a-kind festival. It offers you the opportunity to enjoy the best of all Anguilla has to offer – its spectacular beaches, world-class accommodations, eclectic cuisine, traditions and culture – and the legendary warm hospitality of our people. All of this is being offered while you are enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting some of the most celebrated authors, poets and publishing professionals of our time.”
Mr. Connor continued: “My endorsement of this event is based on the development of the festival over the years; its positive impact on the people of the island in general and the youth in particular; the role it plays as an instrument of cultural preservation and development; and a vehicle for tourism promotion. On behalf of the Government and people of Anguilla, I welcome all who have travelled to join us for this event. I extend best wishes to the Anguilla Literary Foundation for a successful and impactful Anguilla Lit Fest: A Literary Jollification 2019.”
The writers and other visitors were given a similar welcome by Mrs. Sherille Hughes, Chairperson of the Anguilla Literary Foundation. “It is my distinct pleasure to extend to you a warm welcome to our beautiful island of Anguilla,” she told them. “On behalf of our organizing team and our sponsors, I welcome you, and I sincerely hope that the events that we have planned for you over the next two days will indeed do much to inspire, educate, motivate and uplift you as you spend these moments in time, sharing with, and learning from, some of the best minds in the literary and publishing world.
“We also hope that you will take some time to discover the best of our destination which is ‘Beyond Extraordinary’.
Mrs. Hughes added: “Our promise to you is that your time with us, enjoying ‘Books and Beaches’, in an unparalleled and tropical setting will indeed relax, rejuvenate and re-energise you…Our only desire is that you return again to share your work with us as you play your part in inspiring a new generation of writers and poets to embrace the literary arts and all that it means for our preservation as a people.”
