Arts Round-up (June 24th 2016 –> )

July 17th 2016 – ABI Insurance Optimist Petite pageant at the UWI Open Campus between Queen Elizabeth Highway and Sir Sydney Walling Highway. Start time 5:30 p.m.

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“Looking for a safe and fun environment for your children this summer? Then sign them up with the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Fun Camp!! Tons of activities!! Camp runs from July 11th -29th and August 8th-26th. Mondays to Fridays from 9am-5pm. Only $100ec per week (includes snacks)!! For more information call 462-0800!!” – from the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross Facebook page.

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Congrats, Dr. Lightfoot…Troubling Freedom Launches

“We don’t treat our Haitian brothers and sisters the way we should based on the price they paid for us to even imagine freedom.” – Natasha Lightfoot speaking at the launch of her book Troubling Freedom: Antigua and the Aftermath of British Emancipation January 2nd 2015 at the Public Library.

Dr. Lightfoot signs copies of Troubling Freedom at the launch event organized by the Friends of Antigua Public Library. (Photo by Barbara Arrindell of the Best of Books/Do not use without permission and credit)

Dr. Lightfoot was speaking of our Haitian brothers and sisters, the very ones who imagined freedom, fought for and won it, in the process showing all still in bondage what was possible. The opening of that window of possibility – where enslavement was not the pre-destined fate for every African in the Western world – is something, she suggested, for which Haiti is still paying (beyond the reparations they were forced, in the ultimate example of historical irony, to pay to France, their colonizers).

Haiti was not the theme of her presentation but, in the free ranging discussion that followed the introduction of her book, she referenced it as the most significant rebellion/revolution of its kind in the west, perhaps globally, for its time. I reference it here as an introduction to what I believe to be the theme of her book (as yet unread) that after freedom the real work of being free, in a society not built to accommodate the idea of you as a human be-ing, much less a human free-ing, began. Sitting there in the too hot room on a Saturday afternoon, one had the sense the discussion could go on for some time as everything she said opened up another area of inquiry, certainly in this attendee’s mind.

When she spoke of the Moravians and how they provided social stability for roughly 50 percent of the newly freed while at the same time using the stability they offered to ensnare them, obligate them, control them not caring for the consequences to the actual lives of the people beyond their obedience to the rules of belonging, that raised questions about the role of the church in society. When she drew parallels between tourism and sugar, that potentially opened a whole kettle of fish among a people still uneasy with the implication of tourism being everybody’s business when that business and the profits thereof are owned by a few. My own question – unanswered due to lack of time – was prompted by her comment about the patterns of violence within the black family post-slavery; and it had to do with how much of the psychic damage of slavery and colonialism is still with us – what if any progress has been made toward healing.

Like many there, I left the gathering eager to read the book which quickly sold out, prompting on site book seller, the Best of Books, to take orders.

Someone raised the question of whether the book would be taught in our schools – this was met with skepticism as the history taught in our schools, still, is rarely about us as written by us.

Though I haven’t read it, I daresay, just on the strength of the discussion, the scope and breadth and accessibility of Dr. Lightfoot’s responses, that if the tone of the book reflects anything of this engagement, it would be a welcome addition.

For more on Dr. Lightfoot’s Troubling Freedom: Antigua and the Aftermath of Emancipation, published by Duke University Press, and, for that matter, for more on other books of Antiguan and Barbudan history, visit our non-fiction listing.

Dr. Lightfoot, right, with Brenda Lee Browne, former Wadadli Pen judge. Photo by Barbara Arrindell of the Best of Books. Not to be re-used without permission and credit.

The event was held at the Public Library and I do hope that the Library will take the strong and responsive turnout as a sign that the community is hungry for more of this type of thing; and eager to see the library become a cultural hub in Antigua and Barbuda. I know I am, and I know we can.

 

As with all content on wadadlipen.wordpress.com, except otherwise noted, this is written by Joanne C. Hillhouse (author of The Boy from Willow Bend, Dancing Nude in the Moonlight, Musical Youth, Fish Outta Water, and Oh Gad!). All Rights Reserved. If you enjoyed it, check out my page on Amazon, WordPress, and/or Facebook, and help spread the word about Wadadli Pen and my books. You can also subscribe to the site to keep up with future updates. Thanks.

A & B Arts Roundup (December 31st 2015 – )

The National Public Library is now lending books to the community; borrowers are asked to present a valid ID such as driver’s license, passport, voter’s ID, Social Security, Medical Benefits cards or school ID. For further information please contact the library at 562-4502/3.

January 2nd 2016 – Launch of Natasha Lightfoot’s Troubling Freedom: Antigua and the Aftermath of British Emancipation – 3 p.m. – at the National Public Library – ETA: Event was standing room only and books sold out. Best of Books was on hand and indicated that they should have more within a week of the Antigua event; also you can no doubt order online and ask for it at your local bookstore. Really informative event. The Q & A could have gone on for quite some time after.

January 14th 2016 – The Antigua State College Library exhibition – refocusing on Caribbean culture for a better identity

 

Library Week (Antigua) – a Look Back in Pictures

There was craft activity….what did they make?

The Public Library held a street fair this year (2014) as part of library week. Here are some highlights:

Cowboy puppets?

 

By golly, I think they’re into it: Calesia Thibou reads from her book Cadriel and Jadiel: a Day at the Beach.

What’s that I’m reading? and what’s an arctic seal named Dolphin doing in the Caribbean sea anyway?

Fish Outta Water.

 

Claudia Elizabeth Ruth’s reading brought international intrigue.

Dorbrene O’Marde reading from Send Out You Hand captured the attention of passers-by.

Report on the Antigua Public Library Summer Reading Programme 2013

This year, the Antigua Public Library 2013 Summer Reading Program was not just a blast, but an educational experience for the staff, children and volunteers. The program hosted from 08 July to 02 August 2013, was held at the Antigua Grammar School.  This year’s theme was “DIG INTO READING” with the theme song “D.I.G DIG INTO READING”.  Being an avenue for learning, the program centred on many aspects of reading: Praise and worship, USSR and DEAR reading times, question and answer, poetry, drama, singing, hiking, scavenger hunting, beach activities, movies, field trips, and craft making. Guest speakers included Pastors, a Policeman, Authors, Ministry of Health Officials, Craft educators, a representative from the Coast Guard and an Entrepreneur.

The Children were taught the Dewey Decimal System by which School Libraries, as well as the Public Library operate. Dewey activities were held on a daily basis to include a Dewey scavenger hunt and creating original drama, songs and poems from the various Dewey categories. Other excitement boosters were winning daily prizes;  puppet performances; field trips to the Nelson’s Dockyard, the Interpretation Centre, Wadadli Nature Park and the Jones Trail – a rather exciting, exhausting, but exhilarating hike. This was indeed one of the highlights of the program. Trips to the Deluxe cinema and the making of books, bookmarks and craft items to express creativity were all a part of this exhilarating experience.

The last Thursday of the program showcased an exhibition, where the children’s work was displayed. The program closed on Friday 02 August, 2013 with the first ever Dewey Group Competition sponsored by American Airlines, and an awards ceremony. Prizes were awarded in the following competitive areas and age categories:

Question and Answer

(11-14)

Winner: Janecia St.Hill

2^nd place: Dominique Primus

3^rd Place: Sara Darroux

 

(8-10)

Winner: Malachi Melfor

2^nd Place: Kevon Tonge

3^rd Place: Jabez Payne

 

(5-7)

Winner:  Sheaheda Frederick

2^nd Place: Nehemiah Nesbitt

3^rd Place: Jayden Joyce

 

Everything Dewey

(11-14)

Winner: Jahrel pelle

2^nd Place: Janecia St.Hill

3^rd Place: Dominique Primus

 

(8-14)

Winner: Nathania Silston

2^nd Place: Denicea Spencer

3^rd Place: Aaron Abbott

 

Best Journal

(5-7) Jaheim Smith

(8-10) Blessyn Williams

(11-14) Teneil Thomas

 

Impromptu Reading

(11-14)

Winner: Ashley Joshua

2^nd Place: Janecia St. Hill

3^rd Place: Arion Anthony

 

(8-10)

Winner: Jeante’ Browne

2^nd Place: Kevon Tonge

3^rd Place: Kyle Mason

 

(5-7)

Winner: Zahire Jeremy

2^nd Place: Destiny Simon

3^rd Place: Tashwana Gloade

 

Special Awards

Best Behaved: Shemar Bejai

Early Bird: Denelia Joseph

Attendance: Chakyra Jackson

 

First ever American Airlines sponsored Dewey Group Competition

Winner: Arts

2^nd place: Biography

3^rd Place: Technology

4^th Place: Philosophy

5^th Place: Language

6^th Place: General Knowledge

 

Most outstanding individual and winner of the BIG prize (sponsored by BSS): Janecia St.Hill.

Many of the children walked away with lucrative prizes such as a printer, trophies and school packages, contributed and sponsored by Friends of the Antigua Public Library (FOAPL),  Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB), CIBC First Caribbean, American Airlines, Business System and Supplies (BSS), Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), DIGICEL Antigua, Paper Clips Ltd. and Best of Books Ltd.

The Director and Staff express great appreciation to these businesses for their contribution to the development of education in Antigua/Barbuda, through the services of the Antigua Public Library and for allowing the 2013 Summer Reading Program to be extremely successful.

Profound thanks must also be expressed to the following persons, businesses/organizations for their unwavering contribution. May God continue to bless you all.

Occasions Party Rentals

Happy Kids

Billy’s Food Mart

LMR Signs

Chase Distributors

Joe Mike’s Hotel Plaza

Antigua Home and Office Depot

The Deluxe Cinema

The Louis Brothers

Pastor Mauline Browne

Pastor Charlesworth Browne

Mrs. Paula Lee

Mr. Lesney Benjamin

Mr. Vere Mannix

Ms. Joanne C. Hillhouse

Mr. Glen Toussaint

Mr. Joseph Prosper

Ms. Andrea Otto

Ms. Natasha Punter

Sergeant Timothy Drew (DARE)

Camp Micash & Jolly Beach

The AntiguaGrammar School

All the Volunteers

The great Chefs who provided the sumptuous luncheon

The Antigua Public Library 2013 Summer Reading Program catered for 240 children. We thank the Parents for their support and hope to have an even bigger, better and more successful program in 2014, filled with fun and learning as we continue to boost reading as an educational experience in Antigua and Barbuda.

 

Ryllis Mannix

Director Antigua Public Library

August 2013

 

New Book. Ask For It At Your Local Bookstore.

Fish Outta Water

My first ever children’s picture book is now on the market

There’s me, there’s the book…and there’s a little girl in the corner flexing her muscles. You go, girl!

Part of Pearson’s Stepping Stones series, Fish Outta Water is written by me and illustrated by talented Antiguan artist Zavian Archibald. You can read more about it here. Thanks, as always, for the support.

The picture of me mugging for the camera above is from the Antigua Public Library summer reading programme, by the way; and, by the way, the first audience to hear me read from the finished version of this book. We had a good time together as suggested by this excerpt from acting Chief Librarian Ryllis Mannix’s thank you letter:

“Thank you for sharing. You were inspiring, positive and uplifting and were a delight to the children. Your presentation was one of the highlights of the program and you were an incredible motivator. The children kept speaking about you and your presentation as the days continued.”

Also as evidenced images below (courtesy the Antigua Public Library):

As with all content on wadadlipen.wordpress.com, except otherwise noted, this is written by Joanne C. Hillhouse (author of The Boy from Willow Bend, Dancing Nude in the Moonlight, and Oh Gad!). All Rights Reserved. If you enjoyed it, check out my page on Amazon, WordPress, and/or Facebook, and help spread the word about Wadadli Pen and my books. You can also subscribe to the site to keep up with future updates. Thanks.

Wadadli Pen Open Mic and Antigua Public Library Team Up

The following notice was issued by the organizers of the Wadadli Pen Open Mic:

Wadadli pen open mic continues under the theme ‘It’s My Thing’.

In addition we’ll be linking up with the Public Library – which, as a promotion for its American Corner, will be staging its first Open Mic – for a (Wadadli-Pen first) double-header Open-mic/ Spoken word.

As usual invitation is extended to EVERYBODY so walk wit your BB, book, friend, paper, pencil, pen…come out and enjoy an evening of the word. Open Mic starts at 7:00pm and don’t forget the topic ‘Its My Thing’; take it how you want it, say it how you feel it.

Venue (as usual): The Best of Books at Royal Palm on Friars Hill Road.