Several Vincentians in Havana, Cuba, for 21st International Book Fair

The 21st Cuba International Book Fair 2012 began on February 9, under the theme “Reading is Growing” in Havana, Cuba.{{more}}

The book fair pays tribute to 2 historical events in Cuba, a rebellion and the 100th Anniversary of the Colored Independence Party members uprising, and will honour diversity of the cultures of the Caribbean.

The San Carlos de La Cabana Fortress Havana is the main site, but spreads out to the Pabellon Cuba, Casa del Alba, Casa de Las Americas, Centro Dulce Maria Loynaz and UNEAC headquarters, and others.

The 2011-20th Edition saw 2.7 million people visiting and more than 1.6 million books sold, with writers, publishers and booksellers from 40 countries attending the Fair.

The Caribbean peoples cultures will have a Pavilion for the display of regional art and traditions.

Several Vincentians are participating, including the music students at University in Jamaica, Rodney Small, Rheajhaun Baptiste and Darron Andrews; Keyboardist and Soloist Andy Cruickshank; Ragga Soca King, Skarpyon for the Artistic programs.

The Academic and Literacy programs are being attended by Poet Jimmy Prince, Author Dr Edgar Adams; and cultural enthusiast René Baptiste. They will participate in poetry recitals and lectures.

The Book Launch will witness the Launch of the Spanish version of ‘Ruler in Hiroona” by G.C.H. Thomas, a Vincentian and Caribbean History and Literature Classic. Monica Thomas Woodley will represent the family and literature lovers.

The Paper Treasure is a pavilion specially organized for children designed to foster children’s appreciation of art and literature. Child Author Storm Hallbich has been invited by the Cuban Institute of Books and Saeed Bowman Child Pan Soloist was nominated by VACAWP to attend. Both will attend the meeting of Young Writers of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as the Encounter of Literature for youth and children. Saeed will perform on 16th and 18th February for the children and on 11th and 12th for the General Audiences, and both will attend meetings on 13, 14, 15 and 16th.

Storm Halbich will present his 2 books – “My Homeland” and “Colors of My Country-St. Vincent and the Grenadines” on February 16th. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will exhbit over 100 Titles by Vincentian Writers and Publishers and participate in the Literacy Fora of Casa de Las Americas, and exhibit Vincentian Art and Photography.

The Cuba International Book Fair the most important and largest cultural event in Cuba. It runs from February 9th – 19th, 2012. The Vincentian Association of Artists Writers and Producers raised over $20,000.00 to facilitate the participation of the delegation, in addition to Grant Funding of $25,000.00 from Cuba.