St. George’s, May 10, 2011 – Minister with responsibility for Culture, Senator Arley Gill, has congratulated Barbadian author George Lamming on receiving a Caribbean literary award, saying it should serve as an inspiration for Grenadian writers.
Last weekend in Havana, the Association of Cuban Writers and Artists granted its first ever Caribbean Hibiscus Prize to 83-year-old Lamming. The award acknowledges the lifetime work of Caribbean writers, artists and groups.
Cuban writer Nancy Morejon pointed out that the Hibiscus Prize is named after a flower common to Caribbean nations.
She said Lamming, who expressed appreciation for the award, was selected to receive the first edition of the prize because in his works, one is better able to understand nature and the regional spirit of the Caribbean.
Lamming, who is also a poet and university lecturer, published his first book in 1953. It is titled “In the Castle of My Skin.’’ Other publications include “The Emigrants,’’ “Season of Adventure’’ and “Natives of my Person.’’
Sen. Gill describes himself as a student of the works of Lamming, and refers to the writer as one of the Caribbean’s greatest.
“I grew up reading the works of Lamming and hearing about Lamming,’’ Sen. Gill said. “Caribbean culture is not far away from the writings of Lamming and I believe this is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Caribbean writers of all times.’’
Sen. Gill said Lamming’s award is a motivator as Grenada prepares to host its second annual Spice Word Festival and Book Fair in the third week of October.
He is encouraging more local writing and a greater abundance of literary performances by Grenadians.
“This Hibiscus Award,’’ he said, “is an inspiration for us in Grenada to develop our own homegrown award for literature, to elevate our own writers, to elevate our own creative thinkers, to elevate those who will take time off to put pen to paper.’’
Grenadians, as a people, have many experiences and stories that they can share, said Sen. Gill, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister.
“We a proud of our oral tradition but, at the same time, we believe that we must engage meaningfully in writing,’’ he said. “I hope to see a Grenadian writer given the Hibiscus Prize in years to come.’’
Sen. Gill said Spice Word 2011 will include more publishers than last year, and will also introduce workshops and conferences for writers. He promises an “exciting’’ Spice Word Festival.
“We have made significant progress already,’’ said Sen. Gill. “Up to last week, writers were confirming their participation. We have settled on the Grenadian feature writers whom we’ll be honouring this year, and I’m also looking forward to the hosting of the writers’ conferences that will examine things such writing techniques and how to publish a book.’’