President of the Collectivity Hon. Frantz Gumbs discussing with his department of culture head Minerva Dormoy the successes of the "Poetry in the Garden" program and ongoing plans to increase public involvement in cultural programs. The second of three Poetry in the Garden concerts, organized by the culture department, was hosted by the territory’s government last Saturday at the Collectivity Garden (former Mairie’s location).
The audience of the well-attended out-door affair included students from three junior high schools (collège), teachers and parents. Students from each collège recited poems about the island’s natural environment to the expert sound of An La Ri La drums. The concert, entitled "Poetry & Drums," was headlined by poet/author Changa Hickinson. Guest artists included the rappers General Blunty and Mad C. The third Poetry in the Garden concert, "Poetry & Pan," will feature leading Bahamian poet/author Marion Bethel and steel pan music on Saturday, April 25, at 7 PM. Bethel, a Harvard University scholar and lawyer by profession will travel to St. Martin to recite her poetry and launch her new book of award-winning poetry, Guanahani, My Love — published a few days ago by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).