The annual Malliouhana Poetry Performance Round and Awards Ceremony was witnessed by another large and appreciative audience at the Anguilla Public Library on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Under the theme “Dare to Hope” and in a setting creatively transformed for the occasion, the Organising Committee celebrated the participating Poets and paid tribute to three more Anguillian Culture Bearers: Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Mrs. Hyacinth E. Hughes and Mr. Colville Petty.
The lively programme was chaired by Manager of The UWI Open Campus BOTS, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks and included Opening Prayers by Canon Reed Simon, musical renditions by Alysha Carty, Roots Binghi and Bankie Banx, as well as remarks by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake. In her greetings on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Richardson-Lake applauded the Committee and the Participants and saluted the 2022 Culture Bearer Awardees.
Organised by the University of the West Indies Open Campus Anguilla in collaboration with the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture and the Anguilla Community College, the popular literary event attracted 71 submissions this year: 58 for “Poetry on the Page” and 13 for the “Spoken Word/Performance Poetry” segments. The majority of the entries (37) came from Poets in the Junior Category (8-12 years), followed by 23 from those in the Adult Category (18 plus years); and 11 from those in the Teen Category (13-17 years).
The entries for “On the Page” were pre-judged, while the Participants in the Performance/Spoken Word segment delivered their presentations at the Ceremony.
At the end of the Performance Round, Eboni Hodge took first place honours in the Junior Category. She was followed by Jamyoi Hodge in second place and Camia Gumbs in third place. Nekaybaw Vanterpool was awarded first place in the Teens Performance Category.
Ms. Eboni Hodge Winner Performance Round Juniors and Ms. Savannah Croft Winner Teens on the Page
Nekaybaw Vanterpool - Winner Teens on the Page with Jansie Webster
Writer, Historian and Cultural Activist, David Carty returned to the Competition to earn First Place in the Seniors category. He was closely followed by three-time winner, Alexis Ryan in second place. Rhonica-Ann Connor, who was a multiple winner in the Junior and Teen categories, made her debut into the Adult Category with a third-place win.
Mr. David Carty - Winner Adults Performance Round
In the “Poetry On the Page” category, Milla Alvarez claimed first place honours in the Juniors. She was followed by second place winner, Siena Wojack and third place winner Zac Richardson. Cyan Carty and Marquez Mills were awarded Honourable Mentions.
Ms. Avenella Griffith Winner - Adults Poetry on the Page
First place for Teens “On the Page” went to Savannah Croft. Nekaybaw Vanterpool claimed second place, followed by Ishita Adlokha in third. Laila Adams and Anna Lynch also received Honourable Mentions.
Avenella Griffith took first place honours in Adults “On the Page” category, while Lancer Celestin claimed second place, followed by Shameica Hodge in third place. Honourable Mentions were awarded to Samantha Rvan-Vanterpool, Jemelia Morson-Hodge and Hvacinth E. Hughes.
Ms. Avenella Griffith Winner - Adults Poetry on the Page
All the participants received Participation Certificates, while the First, Second and Third Place Winners and Honourable Mentions were presented with plaques and/or monetary prizes/vouchers by Committee Members, Ms. Carla Harris, Ms. Jansie Webster and Dr. Phyllis Fleming Banks.
In one of the main highlights of the evening, the Committee paid tribute to the 2022 Culture Bearer Awardees, Mrs. Evalie Bradley, Mrs. Hyacinth E. Hughes and Mr. Colville Petty with the presentation of special Plaques and highlights of their contributions to the development and preservation of Anguilla’s cultural traditions and practices.
During the Ceremony, one of Anguilla’s newest authors, Mr. J. Ivor Hodge read an excerpt from his book “De Copper Hole”. He also presented complimentary copies to the Organisers: The UWI Open Campus Anguilla, the Anguilla Library Service, the Department of Youth and Culture and the Anguilla Community College.
The Committee has extended its thanks and congratulations to the Awardees and all the Participants in the 2022 Malliouhana Poetry Competition.
Some of the audience members
Performance Round Judges Mr. Felix Fleming, Ms. Trudy Nixon, Dr. Lisha Ward and Mr. Marcel Fahie
Special appreciation is extended to the Judges: Professor Sir Howard Fergus, Ms. Ingrid Fullington, Mrs. Patricia Adams, Mrs. Vanessa Hobson, Dr. Lishaw Ward, Ms. Trudy Nixon, Mr. Felix Fleming and Mr. Marcel Fahie. Guest Speakers/Artistes, Canon Reed Simon, Ms. Alysha Carty, Dr. Bonnie Richardson-Lake, Bankie Banx, Roots Binghi and Mr. Ivor Hodge; Partners: Digicel Anguilla, Malliouhana–ANICO Insurance, Coral Reef Bookstore, the Anguilla Literary Foundation, Greig’s Trucking, GAF/Titanium Sound, the various media, including Radio Anguilla, The Daily Herald, Lloyd’s Live, KCN Television, The Anguillian, Klass FM and all other supporters and friends for their role in making the 2022 Malliouhana Poetry such a memorable event.
