During the pandemic, some people may have found solace through reading books while at home.
But after three years, the NGC Bocas Lit Fest excitedly welcomes back all literary lovers.
Yesterday , members of the public gathered at the Old Fire Station, located at Abercromby Street for the opening ceremony of the annual literary festival.
With its main sponsor, the National Gas Company of T&T, the festival is expected to contain 80 events geared towards creatives and storytellers from all over the region.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts deputy permanent secretary, Jasmine Pascal, the NGC Bocas Lit Fest is important due to the great number of storytellers that emanate from the Caribbean region.
“Through the power of the spoken and written word we turn tragedies into comedies. We provoke our comforts and call for justice. We let our honest stories shine a light on the beautiful and painful parts of our heritage,” Iniss said.
The festival caters for those deemed experts and amateurs, now entering the literary space, and people of all ages. Iniss said that a festival like this is important for young people, who often need a community and avenue to share the problems that they face.
“The children’s festival and storytelling caravan sowed the seeds of creativity in the children and young people while providing an avenue for them to express themselves an tell all of the issues that may be affecting them,” she said.
This year, the festival will feature 53 first-time authors, most emerging from the downtime of the pandemic.
“As we meander our way out of the pandemic it is important that individuals have many avenues for self-expression. We believe that everyone should be given a safe avenue to tell your own story,” said Heritage National Library director Jasmin Simmons.
The three-day festival will end on April 30.
