St. Martin poet Safiyya Chance returned home on November 8 from Tortola, where she participated as an invited writer in the BVI Literary Arts Festival, November 5–8, 2026, said her publisher, Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers.
The Native Choir author was a panelist in the “Say It: Poetry & Voice” discussion on
November 6. On November 7, she also performed her poetry, including a new piece titled
“Waatating,” which prompted audience members to shout and applaud at the poem’s conclusion
during the “Light a Fire: Poets’ Showcase,” said Sample.
Chance also served as one of four judges for the Stingray Poetry Slam, an annual
competition organized by H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. The Virgin Islands lit fest
incorporated the competition into its literary program, promoting the event with the message:
“Give young people a pen, a mic and a stage… and listen to what jumps out.”
The slam winners were Roelle Baird (first place), Niaeika Aymer (second place), and
Amber Hastings (third place).
Nearly 50 acclaimed and emerging writers, editors, and artists from the Virgin Islands,
across the Caribbean, and beyond participated in the 2026 festival, held under the theme “Mouth
Open, Story Jump Out.” Among them were Diana McCaulay, Etaf Rum, Claire Adam, Anthony
Joseph, Ingrid Persaud, Richard Georges, Lilliam Rivera, Tiphanie Yanique, Chris Jackson, and
Monéa.
