SXMElections.com

MARIGOT--The 13th Annual St. Martin Book Fair with the theme this year “The Word” opened at the new media library in Concordia last night with a captivating address by keynote speaker Tishani Doshi, the award-winning Indian author, poet, novelist, dancer and journalist.

Her study on the way we use words, their meanings, their impact, brought them to life in a rich, poetic way that was enlightening and insightful. She is also the first author from India who has been published by House of Nehesi Publishers.

“We become strong by our words even though in life we may be sick or weak. We become gods by the worlds our words create. We do not write for a void, we write for an audience and the words we use must land somewhere and we must make them sharp and fresh so they can find new countries,” she said. “Words can change the truth, change reality, and can be a kind of power, a resistance. What we lose we find in words again.”

Her book The Adulterous Citizen – poems, stories, essays was one of two new books featured that evening along with Where I see the Sun – Contemporary poetry from Anguilla, a new anthology edited by Lasana Sekou.

Book Fair coordinator Shujah Reiph noted in his introduction that the fair had launched more than 30 new books in St. Martin, introduced new writers in the St. Martin community and exposed many youngsters to literature.

He welcomed the more than 25 authors and workshop presenters to the 2015 fair, predicting it would be “the best ever.”

“Nearly 10 books of poetry, drama, romance fiction, short stories, essays and children’s stories are being launched or introduced outside of the author’s country for the first time. I think this is a first for the Book Fair,” he said. “Three of the new books are published in St. Martin by House of Nehesi Publishers.”

Other opening addresses were given by House of Nehesi Publishing President Jacqueline Sample and University of St. Martin Dean of Academics and Interim President Dr. Francio Guadeloupe.

Territorial Councillor Rollande Questel gave her opening remarks on behalf of the absent President Aline Hanson.

Guest recitals were given by poet, psychologist and educator from Anguilla Dr. Oluwakemi Linda Banks and novelist Gisèle Pineau from Guadeloupe.

The evening, emceed by Alex Richards, concluded with the ribbon-cutting performed by Ruby Bute and poet and story-teller Papa Umpo.

New writers and authors will be visiting the schools and the house of detention today between 9:00am and 12:00pm to discuss their work, experience of writing books and the value of reading and literature.

A general session “Word Up” to be held at University of St. Martin, Room 202, between 2:00 and 4:00pm features an exciting discussion between new generation authors and hip hop artists, and St. Martin teenagers, high school students and rappers.

Taking part are poet, blogger, literary critic and teacher Faizah Tabasamu, poet hip hop artist Fola Gadet from Guadeloupe, rapper Nikky MC and Road March winner 2015 Rumari Rogers.

Tonight is a jazz and literary evening at Canoa Restaurant, overlooking Oyster Pond, from 8:00 to 10:00pm. There will be literary readings by new and distinguished poets, novelists and short-story writers from St. Martin and around the world.

The Jazz interlude will be performed by Connis Vanterpool.