Antigua & Barbuda Literary Festival

 

This website was created to promote the The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival for 2008. When I recently discovered the sites domain was available I bought it with the goal of recreating some of its original content from archived pages. I definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with the original website which is what occurred with the Festivals new website which was launched in 2010. Although the Barbuda International Literary Festival's Facebook page was active through 2013 it now appears to no longer being used. There was a post regarding the 2009 Festival: "In case you haven't heard, the Festival has been canceled for 2009, due to lack of funding. It's a tough economy for non-profit events!"

In 2010 their Facebook post stated emphatically "The Festival IS going to take place this year, from Nov. 4-7 at the Jolly Beach Resort & Spa. Our emphasis will be on Caribbean children's and women's literature." Another 2010 post announced that a new website was created: http://antigualitfest.com/. Unfortunately, the newer 2010 site is now a Chinese website and no longer has anything to do with the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival. I suspect the site's domain registration expired and a Chinese company bought it.

In regards to the older Barbuda International Literary Festival website for 2008, although the site will not be exactly as you remember it, I wanted to keep the spirit of the original website alive. I wish that this site will inspire someone to infuse monies into the non-profit that organized the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival. Although I work in software development, which made it easier for me to rebuild this site, I don't have the big pockets that are required to sponsor such an event. The team I work with helps organizations and companies reach the next level with custom software development, data management solutions, and other integration services. For those unfamiliar with modern software platforms, they can greatly enhance relationships among a business/organization and their customers. Employees can access these platforms entirely over the Internet, helping businesses stay on the cutting edge of technology. It would be so great if one of our clients became interested in the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival and perhaps helped revive it. Additionally, there is a significant need to replace outdated systems like Microsoft Access with modern, supported software to better manage subsequent Barbuda literary festivals. This upgrade would streamline operations and ensure the festival's sustainability and growth in the future.

Please be indulgent since the site does not look exactly like the original. Now let's take a nostalgic stroll back to 2008.

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Save the Date!
7-9 November, 2008
Jolly Beach Resort
Antigua, West Indies

The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival, begun in 2006, is a 3-day celebration of literary arts, with workshops, author readings, book signings and special events in a beautiful tropical setting. The festival features prominent Caribbean, U.S., British and Canadian authors as well as publicists and publishers.

To date more than 65 authors have participated, and the line-up of literary stars for the 2008 Festival will be coming soon. While the festival features many authors from the Caribbean Diaspora, it also includes noted writers in a broad range of genres from poetry, photography and non-fiction to performance arts and drama. 

The venue in 2008 will be Jolly Beach Hotel, an all-inclusive resort on one of Antigua’s most picturesque beaches. The Festival Village will include workshop rooms and a book store as well as tents for children’s programs and live entertainment and a beach gazebo for author readings.

Among the specific activities planned for the 2008 Festival are:

  • Youth Day, where talented young writers attend workshops led by noted authors
  • Two days of workshops on the practical aspects of writing as well as lively discussions on timely literary topics by panels of authors and publicists
  • Author readings on the beach
  • A Gala Opening Ceremony and reception attended by the Governour General, Prime Minister and government officials of Antigua as well as the authors and Festival participants
  • A book sales area sponsored by Best of Books, where participants can obtain books to be signed by the authors
  • Children’s activities
  • Live entertainment

U.S., Canadian and Caribbean region literary fans can join in all the activities by booking a “Booklovers in Paradise” package, which features all-inclusive accommodations at Jolly Beach Resort as well as admission to the Festival.  These will be coordinated by Carib-World Travel in St. John’s, Antigua (268-480-2999).

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Friends of The Antigua Public Library —New York

Short Story & Visual Arts Competition – 2008

Held in conjunction with the 
Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival 
Dates of Competition: 
Sept. 15-Oct. 24, 2008 
Theme: 
My Antigua (and/or) My Barbuda 
Date of Award Announcement: 
Nov. 7, 2008 


At the Antigua & Barbuda Literary Festival Youth Day

All Antigua and Barbuda students enrolled in Forms 1 through 3 who have valid Antigua Public Library cards are invited to submit a short story or visual artwork to the competition. There is no restriction on the genre of the work submitted (mysticism, adventure, mystery, romance), as long as it involves the stated theme and is an original work. 
Finalists will be invited to the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival on Friday, November 7, 2008, where the winners will be announced.


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History

In its first year, the Antigua & Barbuda Literary Festival carried a different name, The Caribbean International Literary Festival. It began as the brainchild of Baltimore Times publisher Joy Bramble and her sister Pam Arthurton, whose family settled in Antigua after their native land of Montserrat was devastated by volcanic activity.

No strangers to devastation, the sisters looked around their adopted land to see how they could become a part of the community of those looking to better their island. One of the key issues they honed in on was literacy, since this is the backbone of a strong educational system and a well-trained, professional workforce. They learned that the island’s only library had been devastated in a 1974 earthquake and had yet to be replaced, making access to reading materials difficult for the entire population.

So the goals of their festival became to inspire Antiguans and Barbudans with a sense of their literary history, to celebrate local and regional artists, and to raise funds to support the Antigua & Barbuda Library in whatever form it took. At the same time, to create an attractive and sustaining festival they knew they would have to involve the international literary community.
The Caribbean International Literary Festival opened in 2006 at the Jolly Beach Resort, with 43 well-known authors, publicists and publishers from the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and the Caribbean region. Over 200 participants enjoyed three days of workshops, panel discussions, readings, book signings and fundraisers. 

In its second year, the Festival received substantial financial support from the Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, which recognized the importance of the event as a “book tourism” activity. In deference to this sponsorship, the organizers renamed it the Antigua &  Barbuda International Literary Festival. 

The event was moved to the Anchorage Inn and 32 authors participated.  The organizers introduced the first day Youth Day, and arranged for each secondary school in the nation and in Montserrat to send its three top writers to a day filled with workshops and seminars with noted authors at no cost.  Over 75 young people participated, and many returned the second and third day of the Festival to continue their interactions with the authors.

One of the key activities of the Festival was a Short Story Competition offered to Antigua & Barbuda school children by the Friends of the Antigua Public Library—New York (FOAPL).  Awards included a notebook computer for the first place winner, $500 for second place and $250 for third place, as well as special merchandise donated by the Festival’s sponsors.  Other awards given were honorable mentions, a special Courage Award, and a School Participation Award. In addition, Dorthea Nelson, the  APL chief librarian, received a special award for her unwavering support of the contest. The winners received their prizes during the Festival’s opening ceremonies.

Now in its third year, the Festival promises to capitalize on past success and create an even larger and more attractive event, with a stellar list of participating authors. The event moves back to Jolly Beach Resort this year, so that we can offer a fantastic beach setting for the author readings and other activities. The organizers plan to create a Festival Village, with tents for children’s activities and vendors surrounding the resort’s Conference Center, where most of the seminars will be held.

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Participants

Kwame Alexander
Poet, publisher and author of “Do the Write Thing: 7 Steps to Publishing Success,” as well as producer of the Capital BookFest in Washington, D.C.

Dawne Allette
Children’s author, poet and journalist from Grenada well known for her inspirational, lyrical and humorous children’s books

Tina McElroy Ansa
Novelist, publisher, filmmaker, teacher and journalist, organizer of the Sea Island Writers Retreat, and author of the new novel “Taking After Mudear”

Brenda Lee Browne
Antiguan journalist and poet who teaches creative writing to young people, and serves as chairman of the Antigua Independence Literary Arts Competition

Jason Cole
Illustrator from Barbados who has produced four award-winning children’s books

Junot Diaz
Named by New Yorker Magazine as one of the top 20 writers for the 21st century and author of “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao,”  selected by Time as the best novel of 2007

Eric Jerome Dickey
Author of 17 novels, many of which have appeared on the New York Times and other best-selling lists. In 2006 he was selected Male Author of the Year at The 2nd Annual African-American Literary Award Show

Linda Duggins
Director of Multicultural Publicity at Hachette Book Group, USA,  and co-founder of the Harlem Book Fair

Zee Edgell
Award-winning novelist and short story writer from Belize who currently teaches at Kent State University in Ohio

Ramabai Espinet
Trinidadian novelist, poet and author of children’s books, as well as professor at Seneca College and the University of Toronto.


Gilly Gobinet
Antiguan watercolor artist who has published an award-winning series of illustrated Caribbean cookbooks

Lorna Goodison
Jamaican poet and recipient of the Musgrave Gold Medal as well as professor at the University of Michigan

S. James Guitard
Best-selling author and syndicated columnist who also serves as a featured consultant for the Anointed Author Workshop Series, a workshop for aspiring Christian authors

Marie Elena John
Antiguan author whose 2006 debut novel, “Unburnable,” was short-listed for the 2007 Hurston-Wright Legacy Awards in the Debut Fiction Category

Mondella Jones
Literary agent, president of MJLA Media, and former senior editor of Black Issues Book Review

E. Ethelbert Miller
Literary activist and award-winning poet/author of 10 books, including "How We Sleep On Nights We Don't Make Love." Since 1974, he has been the director of the African American Resource Center at Howard University.

Stacey Evans Morgan
Screenwriter and writer/producer of UPN’s hit show The Parkers and the NAACP Image Awards Show

Mary B. Morrison
Novelist, poet and non-fiction author who conducts workshops on self-publishing. Author of the best seller “Sweeter Than Honey”

Motion, Wendy Brathwaite
Poet and performance artist from Toronto, Canada

Victoria Christopher Murray
Christian-centered novelist and author of an inspirational teen fiction series

Elizabeth Nunez
Trinidadian-born novelist and winner of the 2001 American Book Award as well as chair of the English department at Medgar Evers College

Roscoe Orman
Television and film actor who played “Gordon” for 30 years on PBS’ acclaimed Sesame Street as well as a poet and author of a memoir about the show and a children’s book

Esther Phillips
Poet who won the Alfred Boas Poetry Prize of the Academy of American  Poets in 1999. She is founder of Writers Ink Barbados and an educator at Barbados Community College.

Althea Prince
Antiguan-Canadian novelist, essayist and children’s author who received the first Antigua & Barbuda Literary Prize in 2007.

Arnold Rampersad
Trinidadian-born biographer and literary critic whose first book, “The Life of Langston Hughes,” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. His recent book, a biography of Ralph Ellison, has met with considerable critical praise.

Victoria Rowell
Distinguished, versatile actress (The Cosby Show, The Young and the Restless) as well as author and filmmaker who is an international advocate for foster children

Esmeralda Santiago
Puerto Rican-born author of memoirs, novels, essays and opinion pieces as well as a producer and writer of documentary and educational films

Frances Anne Solomon
Director and producer of Canadian sitcoms and documentaries as well as head of her own production companies, one of which is a non-profit company for multimedia products aimed at the educational market

Verna Wilkins
Grenada-born founder of Tamarind, a publishing company in the U.K. specializing in children’s books as well as author of 30 picture books and biographies for younger people

Delilah Winder
Celebrity chef, restaurant owner and cookbook author who has appeared on various Food Network shows. Winner of Oprah’s “Favorite Mac-n-Cheese” competition

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2010 Festival Plans

 

Planning Underway for the 2010 Antigua & Barbuda Literary Festival

The organizers of the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival are planning for an exciting 2010 Festival.

“This year we are going to employ a whole different organizational strategy than we did last year.  We will rely less on the old fashioned way of festival planning and instead use various social networking tools as the dominant means of organizing presenters and attendees for the event," said Co-Founder Pamela Arthurton.

Joy Bramble, the Festival's other Co-Founder, followed by saying that "We are talking with a variety of key people to anchor our 2010 event.  We look at 2010 as being both fun and educational - during the festival and the planning throughout the year.  We welcome all people who wish to help out and believe that reading and education are the cornerstones for our children's future success."

Volunteers can contact the festival organizers at any time via our contact form.

 

 

More Background on AntiguaAndBarbudaLiteraryFestival.com

The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival was a vibrant celebration of literary arts held in the beautiful Caribbean island nation. Though the festival is no longer active, its impact on the literary landscape of the region, and its dedication to fostering a love of reading and writing, particularly among young people, remains a noteworthy chapter in the cultural history of Antigua and Barbuda. This article delves into the history of the festival, its aims, activities, participants, and its overall significance.

Origins and Early Years (2006-2008)

The festival's story begins with Joy Bramble, publisher of the Baltimore Times, and her sister Pam Arthurton. Their connection to Antigua stemmed from their family's relocation to the island after the volcanic devastation of their native Montserrat. Recognizing the importance of literacy as a cornerstone of a strong educational system and professional workforce, the sisters sought to contribute to their adopted community. They identified a critical need: the island's only library had been severely damaged in a 1974 earthquake and had not been replaced, limiting access to reading materials for the population.

Thus, the Caribbean International Literary Festival was born in 2006. Its goals were threefold: to inspire Antiguans and Barbudans with a sense of their literary history, to celebrate local and regional artists, and to raise funds to support the Antigua & Barbuda Public Library. The inaugural festival, held at the Jolly Beach Resort, attracted 43 authors, publicists, and publishers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean region. Over 200 participants enjoyed three days of workshops, panel discussions, readings, book signings, and fundraising events.

In its second year, the festival received significant financial support from the Antigua & Barbuda Ministry of Tourism, recognizing its potential to attract "book tourism." In deference to this sponsorship, the organizers renamed it the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival. The event was moved to the Anchorage Inn, and 32 authors participated. A key innovation was the introduction of "Youth Day," where secondary school students from Antigua, Barbuda, and Montserrat were invited to attend workshops and seminars with renowned authors at no cost. Over 75 young people participated, many returning for the subsequent days of the festival.

2008 marked the festival's third year. The event returned to the Jolly Beach Resort, promising an even larger and more engaging experience. Plans included creating a "Festival Village" with tents for children's activities and vendors surrounding the resort's Conference Center, where most seminars were held.

Key Activities and Features

The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival offered a diverse range of activities designed to appeal to a broad audience, from established authors to aspiring writers and avid readers. Some of the key features included:

  • Author Readings: These were a central element of the festival, providing opportunities for attendees to hear authors read from their works and engage in discussions about their writing process and themes. The beach setting at Jolly Beach Resort added a unique and memorable dimension to these readings.

  • Workshops and Panel Discussions: The festival offered workshops on the practical aspects of writing, covering topics such as plot development, character creation, and publishing. Panel discussions featured authors and publicists discussing timely literary topics and industry trends.

  • Youth Day: This dedicated day for young writers was a significant initiative, providing a platform for them to learn from established authors, hone their skills, and develop a passion for reading and writing.

  • Book Signings: Attendees had the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and have their books signed, creating a personal connection and lasting memory.

  • Gala Opening Ceremony: A formal opening ceremony and reception, often attended by government officials, authors, and festival participants, marked the official start of the festival.

  • Book Sales Area: A dedicated area, often sponsored by local bookstores, allowed attendees to purchase books by participating authors.

  • Children’s Activities: Recognizing the importance of engaging young readers, the festival included activities specifically designed for children, such as storytelling sessions and creative writing workshops.

  • Short Story & Visual Arts Competition: In conjunction with the Friends of The Antigua Public Library —New York, a competition was held for Antigua and Barbuda students enrolled in Forms 1 through 3 who have valid Antigua Public Library cards are invited to submit a short story or visual artwork to the competition

Notable Participants

The festival attracted a diverse array of authors, poets, publishers, and literary figures from the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Some of the notable participants included:

  • Kwame Alexander: Poet, publisher, and author known for his work promoting literacy and youth engagement in literature.

  • Tina McElroy Ansa: Novelist, publisher, filmmaker, and teacher, known for her contributions to African-American literature and her organization of the Sea Island Writers Retreat.

  • Junot Diaz: Pulitzer Prize-winning author celebrated for his vibrant and insightful portrayals of Dominican-American life.

  • Eric Jerome Dickey: Bestselling author known for his contemporary novels exploring relationships and social issues.

  • Zee Edgell: Award-winning novelist from Belize, whose work often focuses on themes of identity, culture, and social justice.

  • Lorna Goodison: Acclaimed Jamaican poet whose work explores themes of history, memory, and the African diaspora.

  • E. Ethelbert Miller: Literary activist and award-winning poet, dedicated to promoting African-American literature and culture.

  • Elizabeth Nunez: Trinidadian-born novelist and winner of the American Book Award, known for her exploration of Caribbean identity and diaspora experiences.

  • Victoria Rowell: Actress, author, and advocate for foster children, using her platform to raise awareness about social issues.

  • Esmeralda Santiago: Puerto Rican-born author celebrated for her memoirs and novels exploring themes of identity, immigration, and cultural adaptation.

Cultural and Social Significance

The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival played a significant role in promoting literacy, celebrating Caribbean literature and culture, and fostering a sense of community among writers, readers, and educators. Its impact can be seen in several key areas:

  • Promoting Literacy: By providing access to books, authors, and literary events, the festival encouraged reading and writing, particularly among young people. The "Youth Day" initiative was especially impactful, inspiring students to develop their literary talents and engage with literature in a meaningful way.

  • Celebrating Caribbean Literature: The festival provided a platform for Caribbean authors to showcase their work and connect with audiences from around the world. It helped to raise the profile of Caribbean literature and promote a greater understanding of the region's diverse cultures and experiences.

  • Fostering Community: The festival brought together writers, readers, educators, and publishers, creating a vibrant literary community. It provided opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.

  • Supporting the Antigua & Barbuda Public Library: One of the festival's original goals was to raise funds to support the Antigua & Barbuda Public Library. While the festival's direct financial contribution may have been limited, it helped to raise awareness of the library's importance and the need for its revitalization.

  • Boosting Tourism: The festival attracted visitors to Antigua and Barbuda, contributing to the local economy and promoting the island nation as a cultural destination.

Challenges and Discontinuation

Despite its successes, the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival faced challenges that ultimately led to its discontinuation. The primary challenge was funding. As a non-profit event, the festival relied on sponsorships, grants, and donations to cover its costs. The global economic downturn of the late 2000s made it difficult to secure sufficient funding, leading to the cancellation of the 2009 festival.

While the festival was revived in 2010, it appears to have been the last year it was held. A Facebook post stated emphatically "The Festival IS going to take place this year, from Nov. 4-7 at the Jolly Beach Resort & Spa. Our emphasis will be on Caribbean children's and women's literature." The festival's website domain was later repurposed, and its social media presence became inactive.

Legacy

Although the Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival is no longer active, its legacy lives on. The festival's contributions to promoting literacy, celebrating Caribbean literature, and fostering a sense of community have left a lasting impact on the region. It served as a model for other literary festivals in the Caribbean and inspired countless individuals to pursue their passion for reading and writing.

The festival's focus on youth engagement was particularly significant. By providing young people with access to authors, workshops, and literary events, the festival helped to cultivate a new generation of Caribbean writers and readers. The impact of this investment in youth literacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

The Website's Role

The website, AntiguaAndBarbudaLiteraryFestival.com, played a crucial role in promoting the festival and preserving its history. The original website served as a central hub for information about the festival, including its schedule, participants, and activities. It also provided a platform for sharing news and updates about the festival's progress.

After the festival's discontinuation, the website was purchased by an individual who sought to recreate some of its original content from archived pages. This act of preservation demonstrates the enduring value of the festival and the desire to keep its memory alive. Although the website may not be an exact replica of the original, it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the festival and its significance.

 

The Antigua & Barbuda International Literary Festival was a significant cultural event that celebrated Caribbean literature, promoted literacy, and fostered a sense of community. Despite its challenges and eventual discontinuation, the festival's legacy lives on through the individuals it inspired and the contributions it made to the literary landscape of the region. The festival serves as a reminder of the power of literature to connect people, promote understanding, and inspire positive change.

 

AntiguaAndBarbudaLiteraryFestival.com