14th he edition of the Alliouagana Speech Festival in Montserrat concluded on Sunday and by all accounts, it was a resounding success.
This year, the event focused on children’s and children’s literature, a decision that according to festival Director Nerrisa Golden allowed them to introduce local children to literature, encouraging them to tell their own stories.
I am very pleased with the feedback so far. The hybrid format helps us access more authors and a wider audience who can learn about Montserrat. It is very easy to say I can’t or I don’t know how. Coryn is proof that we don’t have to be too young or an expert to pursue Storytelling in whatever medium we choose. She is also inspiring adults to look again at the dreams they have put on hold and we need that here in Montserrat more than ever.
Golden told Loop as part of next year’s event, more workshops will be added to support aspiring writers.
“There is a need to help them produce books that are more ready for the market and also not just for consumption by people in our district.”
Meanwhile, visiting author Coryn Clarke said she had the time of her life.
Speaking to Loop at the Montserrat Cultural Centre, she said “It’s been a really great experience. It’s my first time here and I really like it. The people are really friendly and it’s so beautiful here, with lots of greenery everywhere. “
I visited two primary schools and talked to some of the children. Some of them were surprised that I have seven books and I’m only seven years old. I just hope they hear a little bit about me, let them know they can do anything they want to do too. Everyone has different interests, so even if they don’t want to write books, I hope they feel inspired to read more and follow whatever their dreams are.
According to Coryn, this trip allowed her to learn more about the Emerald Isle while also teaching the local children about her country.
“I really love my country and the kids I met really love their country, so it was fun to learn more and teach them too, it’s like we’ve shared a ton of information. They loved my book carnival characters, it’s a really good book, but I didn’t expect them to like it so much. That book sold first! They were curious about the traditional characters in my book, and I was curious about the volcano eruption. I learned a lot ! My new friend Kiki taught me the correct way to pronounce Alliouagana.”
Trinidadian author Coryn Clarke reads to some of her Montserratian friends at the AFW Fun Day.
Teacher Shelly, a member of teaching staff at Lookout Primary School, was full of praise for staging the 2022 literary festival.
“I think this literary festival is very important because reading is important for future generations. This year’s festival was very interesting and exciting and gives motivation to adults and children to go deeper into themselves and reveal what is inside the gifts of them and be able to produce something that the world can enjoy. I started a literary project with my students. We wrote poems to relieve stress during the COVID period and I decided to compile the poems. We have three collections. I think the writing is importantly, it helps build children’s self-esteem and helps develop their creativity.”
The 2022 Alliouagana Festival of Words presented the ideal platform to showcase Caribbean literature and film.
Attendees and attendees of the three-day event had the opportunity to meet and interact with the authors and were also treated to a special screening of Deep Blue.
Stay tuned to Loop for more on this HAMAFilms production, which blends romance with the reality of small island challenges as it relates to earning a living and protecting the environment.
