Heritage and Poetry Fest has potential
THE PARISH of St Thomas has some captivating nature spots, and a dramatic landscape. Add to the mix are a rich and vibrant culture, a storied history and a colourful heritage. Talents also abound in the eastern parish, where national heroes George William Gordon and Paul Bogle lived and died.
So, the idea of a St Thomas Heritage and Poetry Festival has to be an excellent one. It’s an opportunity to showcase the culture and heritage of the parish and to give parishioners and non-parishioners a platform to share their artistry.
The idea was conceived by Omar ‘Melenin’ Ryan, a Morant Bay High School and University
of The West Indies, graduate, and an un-apologetic promoter of the parish of his birth. From conception to manifestation, the thought evolved on Sunday, March 31.
“The idea for the festival came more than 12 years ago. It came out of the realization that St Thomas is a culturally rich parish. It has Rastafari, Kumina, Pocomania, and other cultural expressions, and so I thought it necessary to have a festival to celebrate these cultural expressions and more, so, as a poet, I think we need more avenues, especially festivals, to promote the art of poetry,” Ryan told Hospitality Jamaica.
Yet, days before the event, it was announced that permission was not granted for the use of the advertised venue, Lyssons Beach, near Morant Bay and the Princess Margaret Hospital. My Beach at Prospect was the alternative space, a cool and laid-back one.
The big plus of the day-night event was that most of the advertised performers, including the big names, Mutabaruka, Amina Blackwood-Meeks, Steppa, Rastakuri, turned up, likewise, a plethora of rising stars. Words and rhythms soared upon the breeze across the sea and up the hills, way into the dark night.
Booth holders also came in their numbers with an assortment of products and food. Items made of natural ingredients were quite popular. The biggest setback was the low turnout, which was attributed in part to the sudden change of the venue. The event suffered significantly also because of a lack of major sponsorships.
“We made a big loss on the 31st, but the day will always be one to remember,” Ryan said. It was the day he hosted his first heritage and poetry festival in his parish, and for now he just wants to “pay off the bills, plan and get some people onboard to have a wonderful event next year.
“I think this is an event with a lot of potential to grow into a serious cultural event for heritage tourism, etc,” he told Hospitality Jamaica confidently.