Join acclaimed historian David Olusoga for an illuminating lecture on citizenship and identity in the UK and its Overseas Territories, drawing insight from the historic Windrush scandal and beyond. In Being & Belonging, Olusoga delves into the complex story of British nationality laws and how they’ve often cloaked inequality beneath a guise of legal equality. He will explore the deep-seated history of “conditional citizenship,” exposing how—despite promises of equal rights—citizenship has often been applied unevenly, revealing persistent divides. This essential discussion invites us to reflect on the legacy of these policies and the ways in which they continue to shape identity,...
about
LITERARY ARTS FESTIVAL IN THE BVI
The BVI Literary Festival, affectionately known as the BVI Lit Fest, was founded in November 2021 as a key feature of the Department of Culture’s Culture and Tourism Month activities. In collaboration with the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, the BVI Lit Fest has quickly become an annual highlight, bringing together writers, poets, publishers, booksellers, and book lovers to celebrate the literary arts and the creative process.
At the heart of the BVI Lit Fest is a diverse and enriching programme that includes workshops, panel discussions, readings, signings, and book launches. Our festival proudly features a mixture of local, regional, and internationally acclaimed writers and poets, creating a vibrant space for literary enthusiasts to engage in deeper, more focused discussions on cultural identity through literature.
History
The inaugural BVI Lit Fest, held from 2-13 November 2021, set the standard for excellence with a robust lineup of events. Highlights included the “Writing with Writers’ Workshop” series, the “Let’s Talk Lit” panel discussions, a book fair, and an “Evening of Music and Poetry.” Our workshops, conducted virtually, covered poetry, publishing, and non-fiction, facilitated by distinguished writers such as Virgin Islands Poet Laureate Dr. Richard Georges, Anthony Anaxagorou, and Andre Bagoo. Our panel discussions, also held virtually, delved into essay writing, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with esteemed guest panellists like Andre Bagoo, Amanda Choo Quan, and Amilcar Sanatan sharing their insights and expertise. The guest panellists for the fiction panel discussion were Cadwell Turnbull and Tiphanie Yanique. The guest panellist for the non-fiction panel discussion was Tami Navarro. The guest panellists for the poetry panel discussion were Raymond Antrobus, Canisa Lubrin, and Desiree Seebaran.
Our Mission
Our mission is to foster the development, promotion, and marketing of the works of Caribbean Literature authors – specifically those from the Virgin Islands. The BVI Lit Fest aims to create a dynamic environment where lovers of the Literary Arts can explore and celebrate their passion, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the Virgin Isla
Event Schedule plan
festival Schedule
Being and Belonging: Ideas of Citizenship in the UK and the Overseas Territories
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Writer’s Welcome Reception (Ticketed Event)
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Immerse yourself in an intimate evening of literary brilliance as you connect with distinguished authors, presenters, and sponsors. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an exclusive conversation with David Olusoga and Marsha Massiah, all in the stunning venue of Allamanda Estate.
ROOTS TO ROUTES
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Celebrate the legacy of Virgin Islands poetry as local authors bring to life the works of Quincy Lettsome, Jennie Wheatley, and Sheila Hyndman. They will honor their roots while sharing their own literary journeys, followed by an engaging discussion and Q&A .
VISIONS IN BLOOM: Shorts Programme by Rising Filmmakers in the BVI
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Experience the creativity and talent of emerging BVI filmmakers as they showcase their original shorts. Following the screening, Enya Douglas-Tarabay, director of the ensemble, will lead an insightful discussion on the filmmaking process.
Verse and Vision
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Poetry Panel featuring Jason Allen-Paisant and Yashika Graham
BVI Legacies
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Shea Alexander, head of OA Consulting Group Ltd. and Collin O’Neal, CEO of JOMA Properties Ltd. explore business legacies in the British Virgin Islands
WORDS MATTER: A Fireside chat with Lisa Ann Violet
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VP Bank Lecture by Lisa Ann Violet, Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation, in and engaging fireside with HLSCC SGA Vice President Tanya Warner.
MANGROVE GUARDIANS: Protecting Our Coastal Ecosystems
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An insightful environmental panel on coastal resilience and climate change, highlighting the research and innovations happening at the HLSCC Mangrove Nursery & Coastal Resilience Laboratory.
BVI Culture & Literature: A look at Little Hill Stories
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Explore the intersection of creative writing and Virgin Islands culture with authors Janice George-Harris and Dr. Charles Wheatley as they discuss how cultural heritage influences storytelling in their works Little Hill Stories and The Story of Red Bay.
INK AND INSPIRATION
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An engaging and insightful deep dive into the world of Children’s Literature with award-winning authors and illustrators. Perfect for aspiring writers, educators, and book lovers alike, this conversation promises to inspire and illuminate the power of literature for young minds.
SONGS: The Language of the Caribbean
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Join Alton Bertie, Joel ‘Zan’ Feveck, and special guests for a creative musical session celebrating the sounds and songs of the Caribbean.
CRAFTING TRUTHS: Writing a Prize-Winning Story
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An engaging session of readings and discussion with authors Portia Subran, Medita Wheatley, and Diane Drayton. Discover their insights into crafting compelling stories and the journey behind their compelling works.
THE PUBLISHING PATH: One-on-One Coaching for Aspiring Authors
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Experience 30-minute consultations include publishing guidance regarding mainstream and self-publishing, agent referrals, editorial recommendations, publicity and marketing plan discussion. Limited spaces available, Register now!
PITCH YOUR BOOK: ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSIONS
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Experience a coaching session with literary agent Elise Dillsworth to pitch your book and receive feedback. Limited spaces available, Register now!
Sunset Stories (Ticketed Event)
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Be captivated by literary discovery and inspiration as Kevin Jared, Celeste Mohammed, and Denene Millner share readings from their best-selling novels. Sip bubbly and engage in thought-provoking Q&A sessions, while basking in the sunset at Brandywine’s Pavilion. Tickets on Sale.
Literary Wonderland - Children's Programme
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A joyful celebration of storytelling and literary arts! Literary Wonderland connects children to their Virgin Islands identity while sparking their creativity. Children will meet local youth authors Amia and Declan Wheatley, who published their own books as children, and be inspired by their journeys. Enjoy engaging readings, cultural storytelling through songs with Mr. Elmore Stoutt, and interactive activities—all paired with fun treats and exciting surprises!
WRITING FOR KIDS: INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF READERS
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Join award-winning children’s authors Vashti Harrison and Breanna J. McDaniel for an engaging workshop designed to inspire the next generation of readers. This session will explore the art of writing for young audiences, offering practical tips on how to craft stories that captivate and empower children. Limited spaces available, Register now!
THE PICTURE AND THE FRAME
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Poetry workshop led by acclaimed poet Jason Allen-Paisant, designed to help writers craft vivid imagery and evocative stories, transforming personal experience into deeply resonant poems. Limited spaces available, Register now!
PITCH YOUR BOOK: ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSIONS
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Experience a coaching session with literary agent Elise Dillsworth to pitch your book and receive feedback. Limited spots available, Register Now!
THROUGH THE NIGHT
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Documentary film screening and virtual Q&A with Guggenheim award-winning filmmaker Loira Limbal. Conversation facilitated by the BVI Film Commission.
ROOTS AND REALMS
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Fiction Workshop by award winning Trinidadian authors Kevin Jared Hosein and Portia Subran. Writers are coached to expand their craft through the lens of history and imagination with luminous details and compelling narratives. Limited spots available, Register Now!
SEXUAL IMPRESSIONISM: HOW TO WRITE A LITERARY SEX SCENE
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This workshop by Celeste Mohammed will teach you how to evoke emotion and intimacy on the page, turning desire into powerful storytelling. Limited spots available, Register Now!
FROM PAGE TO STAGE: Playwrighting Workshop for New Voices
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A hands-on session designed to guide aspiring playwrights in the art of writing for the stage. Participants will explore key elements of playwriting, including character development, dialogue, and dramatic structure, with practical exercises to help bring their stories to life. Limited spots available, Register Now!
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY
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An exclusive workshop led by industry expert Yona Deshommes, offering valuable insights into the world of publishing. Participants will gain practical knowledge of how to navigate the publishing process. A must-attend session for aspiring authors looking to take their writing career to the next level. Limited spaces available, Register now!
PITCH YOUR BOOK: ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSIONS
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Experience a coaching session with literary agent Elise Dillsworth to pitch your book and receive feedback. Limited spots available, Register Now!
Light A Fire: Poets' showcase (Ticketed Event)
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Passion and creativity come alive as gifted poets share their masterpieces. Join us in celebrating the power of storytelling while enjoying a delicious sushi buffet at Sushi Bar. Tickets on Sale.
Book Brunch (Ticketed Event)
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Indulge in a beachfront dining experience at Long Bay Beach Resort while being captivated by the powerful words of award-winning poet and memoirist Safiya Sinclair. Engage in lively discussions, soak in the stunning views, and be inspired by an unforgettable literary experience!
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